Instruction Manual

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Chapter 4: Performance Features and Safety Precautions
Even though the stainless steel seams are smooth to
the touch, there are microscopic voids within the
surface in which radioactive particles can lodge and
are not easily removed by the above mentioned
surface decontamination procedures. Abrasion
decontamination, which consists of sanding and/or
scouring may be required to dislodge these particles
from your hood liner.
Radioisotope materials are, in essence, high-energy
particles with different levels of intensity. These
levels are, alpha, beta, and gamma. Radioactive
particles do not just simply strike a barrier and
bounce off, but rather are absorbed by the barrier
and physical decomposition on the molecular level
can occur. In the case of the alpha and some lower
level beta radiation particles, human skin can act as
an effective barrier to this radiation without damage
to the underlying tissues.
However, in the case of inhalation, low-level
emitters can attack inner organ tissues posing a
health hazard. Therefore, it is very important in
cases even where these low level type emitters are
being used that effective sources of ventilation be
provided.
The radioisotope hood’s stainless steel liner
material is intended for use with alpha particles,
which are least hazardous, and for most beta type
particles, which have a slightly higher mass and
consequently feature a higher velocity requiring
more shielding than the alpha particles. The gamma
emitter particles have no mass but an extremely
high velocity. Therefore, they are not easily
absorbed and are not normally used within this hood
enclosure unless it has been properly lined with lead
blocks and a lead glass sash assembly. Consult with
your company safety officer for additional safety
procedures dealing with your specific materials,
before operating this hood.