Smoke Detectors Essay

Submitted By KhalidKhalid2013
Words: 3781
Pages: 16
Open Document
Radiation Safety Handbook

JSP 392

LEAFLET 18 SMOKE DETECTORS CONTAINING AMERICIUM-241 CONTENTS Para 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 Table 1 2 3 Annex A B Summary radiation risk assessment for lower activity smoke detector Summary radiation risk assessment for higher activity smoke detector Scope Statutory requirements and parallel arrangements Duties Commanding Officer and Head of Establishment (CO/HoE) Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) Workplace Supervisor (WPS) Employees Risk assessments for smoke detectors Handling of smoke detector heads Legal and MOD mandatory requirements Page Hazard associated with Am-241 smoke detectors ..........................................................................3 List of common smoke detectors used in MOD ..............................................................................4 Legal and MOD mandatory requirements for smoke detectors containing Am-241 .......................5

SCOPE 1 This Leaflet applies only to smoke detector heads incorporating radioactive sources containing Americium-241 (Am-241). The following information describes the requirements for keeping, using and disposing of such equipment. Summaries of the radiation risks and regulatory requirements for two examples of smoke detector heads containing Am-241 are included in the Annexes to this Leaflet. The examples chosen are representative of a lower activity and a higher activity Am-241 smoke detector. 2 Summary risk assessments for a comprehensive range of smoke detectors are available from the RPA who is also to be consulted regarding the hazards and requirements for detectors not covered by the scope of this Leaflet. 3 It should be noted that, where reasonably practicable and where suitable alternatives exist, nonradioactive detectors should be used in preference to those containing radioactive material. Smoke detectors containing Ra-226 are not to be used.

June 2009

Leaflet 18 Page 1

JSP 392

Radiation Safety Handbook

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND PARALLEL ARRANGEMENTS 4 In addition to the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the following specific legislation applies directly or is applied indirectly through parallel arrangements designed to achieve equivalent standards: • • • Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) (apply directly); Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) (parallel arrangements); Radioactive Substances (Smoke Detectors) Exemption Order 1980 as amended by the Radioactive Substances (Smoke Detectors) Exemption (Amendment) Order 1991 (parallel arrangements); Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007 (apply directly).

•

DUTIES Commanding Officer and Head of Establishment (CO/HoE) 5 The CO/HoE has a duty to the Secretary of State, and a personal responsibility, to protect the environment and secure the health, safety and welfare of their staff at work. The CO/HoE is also required to protect persons not in MOD employment (e.g. members of the public) against risks to their health and safety arising from the MOD work activities. This includes radiation safety. The CO/HoE’s authority (but not responsibility) for radiation safety management arrangements may be delegated to appropriate personnel, such as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) 6 • • • • The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is to ensure that: They are familiar with the specific radiation hazards of their unit or establishment and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out; Local orders include the requirements for keeping, using and disposing of smoke detectors containing radioactive material as detailed in this leaflet; Staff are appointed, instructed and trained in their duties relating to this leaflet; The requirements stemming from this leaflet are subject to audit.

Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) 7 Where an RPS is
Show More

Related Documents: Smoke Detectors Essay

The Smoke Detector: A Protector Of Property

Running head: THE SMOKE DETECTOR: A PROTECTOR OF PROPERTY 1 The Smoke Detector: a Protector of Property Aubrey Clifton Regent University THE SMOKE DETECTOR: A PROTECTOR OF PROPERTY 2 Pick a good or service and research its life. Give a reliable estimate on how much value it has provided people and describe how life might be different without that good or service. Be thorough yet concise in your writing. Also…

Words 571 - Pages 3

Smoke Detector Research Paper

is placed in a child's mouth, especially if the child is sick. Adults should check for any small objects around that a infant could possibly fit into their mouth. A smoke detector should be in a working order for so that the child can be kept safe in case of a fire and the smoke detector will keep the parents aware. The smoke detector should be no older than ten years. Cribs should have a tight fitting mattress and a secure fitting sheet. If an adult sees that it is getting old, it should be replaced…

Words 758 - Pages 4

Wireless Photoelectric Smoke and Heat Detector Essay examples

Wireless Photoelectric Smoke and Heat Detector by Gau B. Gauseu March 15, 2012 Ademco’s powerful LST is a combination wireless photoelectric smoke and heat detector that trips when temperatures reach 135º F. Ideal for difficult to wire locations, situations where room aesthetics are critical, or where hazardous materials exist, the LST provides the ultimate in installation flexibility. (Ademco 1) Remarkably cost-effective, the attractive, low profile unit blends easily with any…

Words 838 - Pages 4

Chem Project Essay

Olivia Virkler Chemistry level 1 Mrs. Moreau November 18, 2014 Smoke Detectors The smoke detector was invented in 1965 by Duane D. Pearsall and Stanley Bennett Peterson. The risk of perishing in a fire is reduced by 50% when the home has a working smoke detector. The death rate from reported fires in homes during 2007­2011 that had at least one smoke alarm (0.61 deaths per 100 fires) was one­third (36%) lower than in homes that had no smoke alarms at all (0.95 deaths per 100 fires) according to the National Fire Protection…

Words 537 - Pages 3

Chem Assignment Essay

3. Americium is used in smoke alarms where it emits alpha particles and low energy gamma rays to form Neptunium – 237 4. When no smoke is present, the alpha particles ionise nitrogen and oxygen in the air in the detector. When smoke is present the smoke absorbs the alpha particles emitted so the rate of ionisation drops and this sets of the alarm. 5. Out of date or damaged smoke detectors must be sent back to the manufactures as the americium in the smoke detectors is harmful if inhaled. The…

Words 365 - Pages 2

english and history and science Essay

Uses of Radioisotopes Smoke Detectors and Americium-241 Ionization smoke detectors use an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation to detect smoke. This type of smoke detector is more common because it is inexpensive and better at detecting the smaller amounts of smoke produced by flaming fires. Inside an ionization detector is a small amount (perhaps 1/5000th of a gram) of americium-241. The radioactive element americium has a half-life of 432 years, and is a good source of alpha…

Words 754 - Pages 4

Use Of Radioactivity

Uses of radioactivity Smoke detectors Smoke detectors use Americium-241, an alpha source, which detects smoke. The alpha particles move around between the two metal plates causing the air surrounding it to ionise (split into positive and negative ions). These ions are then attracted to the oppositely charged metal plates causing a current to flow. When smoke enters between the plates, some of the alpha particles are absorbed causing less ionisation to take place. This then causes a smaller current…

Words 403 - Pages 2

Fire Prevention Essay in Hindi & English

* Fire extinguishers Smoke detectors 1. * 1 Dispose of all cigarette butts and used matches properly. Never let them out where a baby or child can reach them. If you smoke, get into the habit of properly disposing of your butts immediately. Keep ashtrays clean and safe by promptly disposing of the ashes. * 2 Avoid smoking in bed. Do not permit guests to smoke in bed. If you tend to fall asleep on the couch while watching television, do not smoke while lying on the couch…

Words 1184 - Pages 5

7th Grade Pch 4 33 Essay

• • • • • No smoke detector Blocked exits Overloaded electrical fuses Frayed electrical cords Trash stored near heating unit Heating appliances to close to things that burn Fireplace without a screen In a fire, smoke will: • Settle near the floor • Rise to the ceiling • Stay near the fire If your first and second exits are blocked and you must escape a smoky area, you should: • Cover your nose and run quickly to your exit • Roll quickly to your exit • Crawl low under the smoke to your exit…

Words 425 - Pages 2

US Hornet Research Paper

U.S.S Hornet As I approach the Alameda Point shores, I see a large aircraft carrier overlooking the Alameda Bay. The chassis of the large ship painted grey, bristling with anti-aircraft turrets. The air was very salty, hinted with fresh breeze rolling in from the bay. The constant sound of swishing and large splashing as the ocean lapped at the large ship. This technology has long since been surpassed by autonomous, unmanned versions of these turrets. The ship has a long history of wartime records…

Words 933 - Pages 4