hazardous materials to the storage area most appropriate for the item being stored. Within each
of the 10 major storage areas, as shown in Figure 4-1, further segregation is required based on the
compatibility of the individual items whose general properties indicate they may be stored in the
same storage area. This concept is also addressed in appendix C in the form of notes relating to
secondary storage within the primary storage area. These notes are not intended to solve a space
problem when a primary storage area is full. That issue should be resolved at the local
installation level after consultation with base safety and health, fire department, and
environmental personnel as well as higher headquarters personnel.
4.9 DoD Storage Type A: Radioactive Material Storage
A. Purpose. The radioactive storage area will be used to store items of Government property
composed in whole or in part of radioactive materials, which can be identified by NSN or part
number.
B. Hazard Considerations. Radioactive materials are substances that spontaneously decay and
emit energetic rays or particles in the process. There are two types of radiation hazards, external
exposure and internal exposure.
1. An external radiation hazard is ionizing radiation contacting the body from an external
source. Background radiation is naturally occurring external radiation; however, the hazard
described here is additional to background radiation and is caused by radiation emanating from
materials being handled. External radiation exposure may be reduced by limiting the time
warehouse workers are exposed, increasing the distance between them and the source of
radiation, and increasing the amount of source shielding.
2. An internal radiation hazard is any radioactive material that is consumed, inhaled, or
absorbed through the skin. Internal radiation exposure could occur while handling leaking
sources, working in contaminated areas or in airtight storage areas containing leaking gaseous
sources, and during accidents. Internal radiation hazards may be reduced by following these
procedures:
a. By prohibiting smoking, eating, and drinking in areas where radioactive materials may
have been handled.
b. By prohibiting the storage of foods, beverages, and eating and drinking utensils in the
radioactive materials storage areas.
c. By requiring personnel to wash their hands and faces upon leaving the radioactive
materials storage areas.
d. By following proper procedures in handling unsealed sources or ensuring availability of
protective clothing to handle potential accidental release of radioactive material.
3. The risk of radiation exposure is compounded by the fact that emissions from radioactive
materials cannot be directly detected by any of the human senses. Significant levels of radiation
exposure under emergency conditions could cause acute injury or death. Radioactive materials
present no unusual fire hazards, because their fire characteristics are the same as the fire
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