Radiation Protection of Mines
Introduction
As an important industry in many countries, mining operations produce a variety of minerals, fuels and other materials required by society. During mining, these materials are often exposed to naturally-occurring radiation sources, resulting in potential health risks to workers and the public. Proper radiation protection practices should be in place to ensure the safety of those around the mining site and to prevent the triggering of alarms within the mine. In this article, we will discuss the radiation protection practice of mines, various sources of radiation, and the need for radiation protection against forced entry and unlawful access to the mine.
Sources of Radiation
Several sources of radiation can be found within the mining environment. Natural sources of radiation include cosmic radiation from outer space, terrestrial gamma radiation from the earth, and terrestrial radon gas. Commercially based sources of radiation include the use of radiation therapy equipment and radiation analysis equipment. Additionally, the mining of certain ores and the use of ore assay kits can result in the release of hazardous levels of radiation.
Radiation Protection Practices
The radiation protection practices of mines involve various radiation prevention techniques. To reduce radiation exposure to mine personnel, practices such as controlling access to the mine, screening personnel for radioactive materials, and controlling the rate of ore extraction should be implemented. Additionally, shielding devices such as lead curtains and metallic screens should be used to limit access to radiation sources and to reduce the levels of secondary radiation.
Other practices for ensuring radiation protection of mines include the installation of ventilation systems to reduce the levels of radon gas, the use of dosimeters which measure the radiation levels of personnel, and the use of low-level radiation detectors which measure the presence of radiation in the environment. Additionally, the use of radiation shielding materials (e.g. concrete and bricks) can reduce the risks of radiation exposure and can also create a barrier between the workers and the radiation sources.
Forced Entry Prevention
Mining operations should also take steps to prevent forced entry and the illegal access to the mine. These steps include installing closed-circuit television systems, surveillance cameras, access control systems, and other safety measures. In addition, the installation of fences and high walls around the mine helps to prevent unauthorized access to the mine and can reduce the risks of radiation exposure.
Conclusion
Radiation protection of mines is an important safety measure in place to protect workers and the public from the potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation sources. Through proper radiation protection practices, such as controlling access to the mine, shielding devices, ventilation systems, and access control systems, mine personnel can be safely and securely monitored for the presence of radioactive material. Additionally, highly-visible fencing and walling of the mine site prevents unauthorized entry and ensures the safety of personnel and the public.
