Radioactive contamination is the presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids, or gases, where their presence is unintended or undesirable. Such contamination presents a hazard because of the radioactive decay of the contaminants. Radioactive contamination can be due to a variety of causes, whereas the sources of radioactive pollution can be natural or man-made. Decontamination is the process of cleansing an object or substance to remove contaminants, in this case, radioactive substances.
Radiation and Environmental Protection Department of Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences is licensed by the national regulatory body for decontamination of working and living environment. We are fully capable of performing a radiological assessment, dissembling, and cleaning equipment, and the environment. Our dosimetry and environmental radioactivity laboratories are capable of supporting our decontamination activities in terms of dosimetric and radio-analytical characterization. Once the nature and extent of radioactive contamination are assessed, decontamination of radioactive components to clearance levels, or exemption criteria, is performed using a variety of applicable techniques, as mechanical decontamination, water jetting, chemical decontamination, etc. Confirmatory radiation surveys are done during and at the end of decontamination activities to ensure exemption or unconditional clearance levels are met. Radioactive waste resulting from clean-up operations are handled and disposed of according to the national regulation.
Radiation and Environmental Protection Department of Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences is authorized for dismantling and handling or replacing of disused sealed sources of radiation lightning rods, smoke detectors, nuclear gauges and other devices and facilities containing sources of radiation. We offer assistance to our clients to properly manage their disused radioactive sources according to the national regulation.
Our staff is well experienced and trained to handle radiation sources. Furthermore, our department is licensed for the transport of dangerous goods of class 7 (radioactive materials) by the national regulatory body.
Contact
E: rao@vin.bg.ac.rs T: +381 11 3408-362, +381 63 516-724