What is the purpose of a contamination survey and when should it be performed?

• A. To measure worker blood radiation levels; performed after an accident.
• B. To assess whether exposure exceeds limits in individuals.
• C. To detect and quantify surface or airborne contamination; performed before starting work, after work completion, after spills, and after decontamination.
• D. To calibrate the dosimeter.

Answer: (C)

The purpose of a contamination survey is to detect and quantify contamination on surfaces or in the air. This helps determine where contamination is present, how much is there, and whether cleanup has been effective, ensuring the work area is safe for personnel.

It should be done at several key times: before starting work to establish a baseline of the area; after work is completed to verify that contamination has been removed or reduced; after spills to determine the extent of spread and guide cleanup; and after decontamination to confirm that all contamination has been reduced to acceptable levels.

This task is different from checking a worker’s blood or body contamination (bioassay/dosimetry) or assessing individual exposure, and it’s not about calibrating dosimeters—the survey focuses on identifying and measuring environmental contamination and the success of decontamination efforts.