In industries like oil and gas, mining, and water treatment, exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) and Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM) is a significant concern. These materials can pose health hazards to workers if not properly handled. To mitigate these risks, businesses must ensure their personnel are fully trained to recognize and protect themselves from radiation exposure. Basin Safety Consulting’s NORM/TENORM Awareness Training provides comprehensive education to personnel, ensuring they understand the associated risks and necessary safety measures.

Understanding NORM and TENORM

NORM refers to radioactive materials that naturally occur in the earth’s crust. When human activities such as mining or oil and gas extraction bring these materials to the surface, they can become concentrated, leading to heightened radiation levels—this is referred to as TENORM. TENORM poses a unique risk in workplaces, as its elevated radiation levels can exceed safe thresholds, creating serious health hazards for workers if not properly managed.

Exposure to radiation over time can lead to serious health conditions, including cancer, organ damage, and other radiation-induced illnesses. It is critical for workers in high-risk industries to understand the risks posed by NORM and TENORM and the importance of proper safety protocols. This is where Basin Safety Consulting’s training comes in.

Course Overview: NORM/TENORM Awareness Training

Basin Safety Consulting offers a specialized NORM/TENORM Awareness Training course, tailored to ensure that designated personnel are fully equipped to identify, mitigate, and protect themselves from the dangers of radiation exposure. This course provides critical information on the following areas:

1. Types of Radiation

2. There are different types of radiation that workers may encounter when dealing with NORM/TENORM, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Each type poses different risks and requires specific controls. Basin Safety Consulting’s training ensures that employees can recognize these different forms of radiation, understand how they travel, and assess the level of risk associated with each.

3. Toxicity and Health Hazards

4. Radiation exposure is a serious health risk, especially when workers are unaware of how much radiation they are exposed to. The training covers the various health hazards associated with prolonged radiation exposure, including potential short-term effects like skin burns and nausea, as well as long-term effects such as cancer or organ damage. Basin Safety’s program educates personnel on the biological impacts of radiation and the importance of minimizing exposure.

5. Use of Nuclear Decimeters

6. Monitoring radiation exposure is a critical part of maintaining a safe working environment. Nuclear decimeters (also known as dosimeters) are used to measure radiation levels, allowing workers to monitor their exposure and ensure they stay within safe limits. The training covers how to properly use, maintain, and interpret decimeter readings, ensuring that workers can effectively monitor their exposure to radiation throughout their shifts.

7. Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

8. To protect against radiation exposure, engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential. Basin Safety’s training course emphasizes the importance of both. Engineering controls are methods put in place to isolate or contain radiation sources, such as shielding or ventilation systems. Meanwhile, PPE includes items like protective suits, gloves, and face masks designed to minimize direct contact with radiation.

9. Workers will learn the proper selection and use of PPE, how to inspect equipment for damage, and best practices for decontamination procedures after working in high-risk areas. This hands-on approach ensures that all personnel can confidently protect themselves against exposure.

10. Proper Donning and Doffing of PPE

11. Handling contaminated PPE incorrectly can spread radiation exposure beyond the worksite. The course includes a step-by-step guide on how to don (put on) and doff (take off) PPE correctly, ensuring that workers avoid cross-contamination. This is especially important when moving from contaminated to non-contaminated areas.

12. Safe Handling and Storage of Radioactive Materials

13. Workers dealing with NORM and TENORM need to understand the protocols for safely handling and storing radioactive materials. Improper handling can lead to accidental exposure or environmental contamination. The training provides guidelines on the best practices for moving, storing, and disposing of radioactive materials in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

14. Emergency Procedures for Radiation Exposure

15. In the event of an accident or radiation leak, quick and decisive action can prevent serious health consequences. Basin Safety’s NORM/TENORM training includes detailed emergency response procedures. Workers are trained on how to recognize signs of radiation exposure, administer first aid, and evacuate affected areas safely. In addition, the course covers communication protocols for reporting radiation incidents and seeking medical attention.

Why is NORM/TENORM Awareness Training Critical?

Ensuring that workers are aware of and trained to handle NORM and TENORM materials is crucial for several reasons:

• Health Protection: The primary reason is the health and safety of your employees. Prolonged exposure to radiation can lead to life-threatening illnesses. Training ensures that workers know how to protect themselves and minimize risk.

• Regulatory Compliance: Federal and state regulations require that companies handling NORM and TENORM follow strict safety protocols. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, legal liability, and damage to your company’s reputation. Basin Safety’s training ensures your company meets all regulatory requirements.

• Minimizing Environmental Impact: Improper handling of radioactive materials can also lead to environmental contamination, which could harm wildlife and local ecosystems. Effective training ensures that workers are aware of the environmental risks and how to mitigate them.

Why Choose Basin Safety Consulting?

At Basin Safety Consulting, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality safety training that goes beyond compliance. Our NORM/TENORM Awareness Training is designed to provide workers with hands-on experience, ensuring they leave the course fully prepared to handle radiation hazards. With years of experience in the safety consulting field, Basin Safety has built a reputation for providing expert training tailored to meet the specific needs of industries like oil and gas, mining, and construction.

Protect your workers and ensure regulatory compliance by booking your NORM/TENORM Awareness Training with Basin Safety Consulting. Our comprehensive course will equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to safely handle radioactive materials and minimize radiation exposure. For businesses in Williston, Dickinson, and the surrounding regions, we offer on-site training options for your convenience.

Contact us today to schedule your training and take the first step toward a safer, more compliant workplace.
(701) 572-8140
www.basinsafetyus.com