Do I have a radiological emergency?
The presence of a radiological hazard may not always be apparent in a situation. Observations or information that should be considered indications of a potential radiological emergency include:
- Suspected or actual bomb
- Credible threats or threatening messages
- Device that appears intended to spread contamination
- Signs of possible contamination (e.g. spill)
- Elevated gamma radiation levels indicated by a dose rate meter
- Medical symptoms of radiation injuries (e.g. burns without apparent cause)
- Building / area marked with the radiation symbol
- Results of assessment of a radiological assessor
- Neutron radiation
- Dangerous source that is lost, stolen, damaged, in a fire, leaking, or potentially involved in a terrorist act or explosion
Signs of a dangerous radioactive source may also indicate a potential radiological emergency:
- A heavy container with the radiation symbol
- Item with yellow/white I, II and III labels
- Package marked with type IP, A, B, C, LSA or SCO
- Device used for teletherapy or brachytherapy
- Radiography cameras or sources
- Well logging sources
- Dangerous quantity of material (> D-value)
