Nuclear Power Safety

Finding useful information on nuclear radiation protection and safety for the workplace

By Natasha Stagg, Writer

When working with or near something as hazardous as nuclear material, it is best to know as much as possible about atomic safety. Nuclear radiation protection awareness grows more important with America’s imminent shift away from oil-dependence. As with any measure of safety, it is important to take the most effective precautions specific to your business' situation.

How can you make sure you have the most useful nuclear safety information for yourself or your business? You can begin by asking these questions:

What system redundancies are in place to make sure nuclear energy is properly contained at all times (including removal and transport)?
Are all temperature gauges near radioactive material clearly visible and easy to read?
What organizations and nuclear power safety consultants does your business work with in order to regulate its overall nuclear safety?
How up-to-date are your postings describing nuclear safety information and nuclear safety technology?

Stay current on nuclear safety information

Check regularly for updates on websites of organizations that promote and regulate nuclear energy safety. Some organizations offer workshops you can attend to find out more about nuclear energy, nuclear safety and nuclear power plant safety.
Try: Review the latest information on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) website posted by the Office of Health, Safety and Security’s Office of Nuclear Safety and Environment, as well as the latest statements from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Be impartial with nuclear safety information

Once you have read the latest on nuclear safety from those who promote it, make sure you also read the latest from those who don't. Greenpeace and other organizations believe that any nuclear power use is unsafe, and unacceptable. Many companies, and even whole countries, have tried to phase out all use of nuclear power. Talk to others in your business about implementing possible alternatives to your nuclear power usage.
Try: Greenpeace has sent out a briefing, which lists dangers and downsides to the use of nuclear energy. The University of Delaware lists some nuclear power alternatives, as does the Union of Concerned Scientists, in the table of contents for the Renewable Energy Basics section of their Clean Energy program.

Research nuclear radiation protection

Know what to avoid. The list below only include more recent accidents, and does not include the widely known disasters such as Chernobyl and Three-Mile Island, which are a type of accident very unlikely to be repeated because of all of the precautions the government has been taking to prevent such events. The lesser events are still alarming, considering nuclear waste emits radiation through any object it touches. Tests and checks of all containers for hazardous materials should be regular and taken extremely seriously.
Try: USA Today lists "A sampling of nuclear safety problems" in 2007, and the Database of Radiological Incidents and Related Events updated their list this year. These mistakes of the past can significantly help to ensure safety in your workplace, particularly in regards to nuclear power plant safety.

Share nuclear safety information with others

Have the latest publications on nuclear safety standards on hand in the workplace. Hold a meeting that explains what Nuclear Power Safety is, what your business is doing to promote it, and what your next steps should be in keeping everyone informed including any plans for phasing out your nuclear power use. Post detailed maps indicating the location of any radioactive material. Make sure they show each layer of containment and all openings that could lead to contamination without correct nuclear radiation safety. These maps should also include explanations of exactly what would happen in the case of an emergency shut down, and how far from each site one should always stay in order to avoid nuclear radiation exposure. Some companies offer nuclear radiation safety training kits and safety manuals to businesses that can be helpful, including posters, CDs, and OSHA guide books.
Try: The IAEA website has quite a few publications available on nuclear safety in PDF form. Safety Services Company makes safety manuals and kits, and Safety Certified sells OSHA-related products.

Get in touch with other businesses that use nuclear power and plan an open discussion concerning nuclear safety.
Ask all employees to read available postings, guidebooks and safety manuals. Then have them sign a statement regarding their completion of safety regulations knowledge.
Hire a lawyer, or talk to your current lawyer about what would happen in case of radioactive contamination. Ask questions like, "If an accident happens, who would be held responsible?" Talk to your insurance company about nuclear accidents. Ask questions like, "Who is covered, and for how much?"