T.O. 33B-1-1
Glossary 69
RADIATION PROTECTION SURVEY (RT): Evaluation of the radiation hazards in and around an area where a
radiation source is used or stored. It customarily includes an examination of the arrangement and use of the source and
related equipment, and measurements of exposure rates under expected operating conditions.
RADIATION QUALITY (RT): See BEAM QUALITY.
RADIATION SAFETY INTERLOCK (RT): A device for precluding access to an area of radiation hazard either by
preventing entry or by automatically removing the hazard.
RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER: An individual engaged in the practices of providing radiation protection. He is the
representative appointed by the licensee for liaison with the Atomic Energy Commission.
RADIATION SICKNESS (RT): See ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME.
RADIATION SOURCE (RT): A machine or a material emitting, or capable of emitting, ionizing radiation.
RADIATION SURVEY (RT): See RADIATION PROTECTION SURVEY. RADIATION TRAP (RT): See
RADIATION MAZE.
RADIOACTIVE: Atoms that are energetically unstable and decay to a stable condition by emitting radiation are said to
be radioactive.
RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION: Deposition of any radioactive material in any place where it is not desired,
particularly where it may be harmful.
RADIOACTIVE DECAY (RT): The spontaneous nuclear disintegration of a material. It occurs on an atomic scale by
the loss of subatomic particles (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons, etc.). See HALF-LIFE.
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL: Includes any such material whether or not subject to licensing control by the
Commission.
RADIOACTIVE SERIES (RT): A sequence of radionuclides formed by successive nuclear transitions until a stable
(non-radioactive) nuclide, the end product, is reached.
RADIOACTIVE SOURCE (RT): A radiation source consisting of radioactive material.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE: Equipment and materials (from nuclear operations) which are radioactive and for which
there is no further use.
RADIOACTIVITY: Spontaneous nuclear disintegration with emission of corpuscular or electromagnetic radiation.
The principal types of radioactivity are alpha disintegration, beta decay (electron emission, positron emission, and
electron capture) and isomeric transition.
RADIOACTIVITY CONCENTRATION GUIDE: The concentration of radioactivity in an environment which results
in doses equal to those in the radiation protection guide. This Federal Radiation Council term replaces the former
“maximum permissible concentration.”
RADIOBIOLOGY: The study of the scientific principles, mechanisms, and effects of the interaction of ionizing
radiation with living matter.
RADIOGRAPH (RT): A permanent visible image on a recording medium produced by penetrating radiation passing
through the material being tested.
