Protection

Even though uranium miners are exposed to levels of radioactivity below the average limits they need to be cautious when working in close contact with radioactive uranium ore and follow all safety procedures.

There are four main ways to protect the human body from harmful levels of radiation:

Distance - physically keeping away from the source;
Time - limiting the amount of time spent near the source;
Shielding - providing barriers, such as lead, concrete or water between the person and the source; and
Containment - keeping radioactive materials in small, confined facilities with reduced air pressure to avoid leakage into the environment.

Avoiding harmful exposure to the three different types of radiation, (alpha, beta and gamma rays) in mining can be achieved by taking the following precautions.

Effectively using ventilation and air-conditioning facilities.
Wearing appropriate respiratory protection devices, such as a mask.
Regularly wetting down dusty areas.
Showering and changing clothes before returning home.

It is also important for miners to be aware of, and use correctly, radiation detection and monitoring equipment. Power plant workers are protected in certain parts of a nuclear reactor by built-in devices. In the event of circuit failure, or other damage to a reactor, containment barriers retain any radioactive material and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the lack of an adequate containment barrier led to widespread effects from the accident at Chernobyl.

The Uranium SA Website is supported by the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy
© 2002 SA Chamber of Mines and Energy.
Information, artwork, text, data and pictures on this web site may be reproduced freely with due acknowledgment of SA Chamber of Mines and Energy. It would be appreciated if you could please let us know what material you are using. All feedback is most welcome.