Generic Radiation Worker
Training- FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2025/2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES || 100% GUARANTEED PASS
RECENT VERSION
The Basic Structure of an Atom
An atom consists of 3 parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Proton
Found in the Nucleus (center), has a Postive (+) charge
Neutron
Found in the Nucleus (center), has no charge
Electron
Orbit around nucleus, Negative (-) charge
Atoms
can be stable or unstable but like to be stable
Radioactive Decay
when atoms release energy in the form of waves or particles to become stable.
Fissioned
when a larger atom is split into two or more smaller atoms.
4 Radiation Sources in a Nuclear Plant
Fuel and Reactor Operations
Reactor Coolant
Activated Corrosion Products
Plant Components
Fuel and Reactor Operations
1.) Fission creates radioactive "fission products" (such as radioactive iodine)
2.) Neutronsnot absorbed atoms become a radiation hazard as long as the fission
process is occurring.
3.) When the reactor is shut down, and fission slows, neutron radiation is not a problem.
Reactor Coolant
1.) As reactor coolant passes through the reactor, it can become a source of radiation
during operations.
2.) Some of the chemicals used in the reactor coolant become radioactive and may
cause some radiation exposure for people near the pipes.
,Activated Corrosion Products
1.) As Corrosion products are carried through the reactor by the coolant they become
activated (made radioactive).
2.)They settle in low spots in the RCS or get stuck around valves and other components
and become a source of radiation exposure
(RCS)
reactor coolant system
Plant Components
1.) Filters remove corrosion products from the RCS, can become highly radioactive
2.) Low flow areas (such as valves and instrument connections) are also likely places
for corrosion products to collect.
4 Types of Radiation
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Neutron
4 Characteristics of Radiation
*penetrating ability
*shielding methods
*exposure hazard (for example, whole-body, skin, eyes)
* major sources
Alpha
* Penetrating ability: least penetrating ability of the four types; travels approximately one
inch in the air.
*Shielded by: a piece of paper, lightweight clothing, or outer layer of skin.
* Type hazard: internal hazard - can result in high dose to sensitive organs.
* Major source: nuclear fuel.
* Primarily found in or near the fuel assemblies -the main hazard from alpha radiation
exists only if the fuel assembly develops leaks.
Beta
*Penetrating ability: travels a few feet in the air.
* Shielded by: lightweight plastic or aluminum.
*Type hazard: eyes and skin are most susceptible to beta radiation. It can be an
internal hazard.
* Major source: most beta particles come from activated corrosion and fission
products.
*Additional information: personnel must work close to a beta source to receive
much dose.
*is a concern mainly when contaminated reactor systems and components are open,
such as valves that are disassembled for repair. Corrosion products frequently collect in
plant components, so opening them can create a significant beta radiation hazard.
Gamma
Gamma
* Penetrating ability: very high. Penetrates the whole body.
* Shielded by: very dense material; usually lead and steel.
*Type hazard: whole-body dose hazard.
* Major source: fission, fission products, and activation products in the primary
system piping.
*Additional information: has no mass or electrical charge - it is pure energy.
,*is the primary dose concern in a nuclear plant because it has a high penetration ability
- thru piping wall can give whole-body dose
Neutron
*Penetrating ability: very high.
*Shielded by: water, paraffin, or concrete.
* Type hazard: whole-body dose hazard.
*Major source: mainly a problem only near the reactor when it is operating.
*Additional information: Neutrons are freed from the nucleus by decay or fission
and have no electrical charge.
*Neutron radiation is normally a concern only when the reactor is running because they
are released during fission. Neutrons also create activation products.
ACP
Activated Corrosion Products
rem
Is a measure of any type of radiation in terms of the estimated biological effects. One
millirem (mrem or mr) is one thousandth of a rem.
dose
is the amount of radiation absorbed by the body or a particular organ. Dose is total
radiation exposure received
dose rate
is the amount of dose you receive in a certain period of time. It is usually measured in
terms of millirem per hour (unit of time) or simply mr/hr.
Dose rate is how fast you receive a dose
mr/r x hr = dose rate
TEDE
Total Effective Dose Equivalent.
External dose
comes from radiation sources located outside the body. The entire body, inside and out,
receives the dose..
Internal dose
comes from radioactive material deposited inside the body. The majority of this dose is
to the organ(s) where the radioactive material is deposited.
Possible Effects of Radiation
*No damage: Nothing happens, no damage to the cell as a result of radiation exposure.
* Damage but repair: The cell is damaged by exposure to radiation but repairs itself
before it reproduces.
*Mutation: The damage to the cell from radiation exposure is extensive and may result
in cell mutation but not cell death.
*Cell death: Damage to the cell from radiation exposure is so great that the cell dies.
Chronic Exposure
Chronic exposure is a series of small doses spread out over a long period (even months
or years).
Studies show a possible increased chance of health effects such as cancer from chronic
exposure to low levels of radiation.
Most exposure received at nuclear power plants (occupational dose) is chronic.
Acute Radiation Exposure
, A large dose of radiation received in a short period, usually less than 24 hours.
*During normal nuclear power plant activities, workers should not be exposed to
sources of radiation that will result in an acute exposure.
Genetic Effects from Radiation Exposure
Appear in future generations of an individual who received the dose. These may appear
as birth defects or other conditions.
Somatic Effects of Radiation Exposure
Occur in the individual who has received the radiation dose.
Two Types of Somatic Effects
*prompt effects
*delayed effects
Radiosensitivity
Cell reproduction slows as you age, so younger people are more sensitive to radiation
than are older people. Therefore, unborn children are more sensitive than infants and
infants are more sensitive than older children, and so on. This is called radiosensitivity.
Your Responsibilities
You must adhere to all written and verbal instructions provided by RP
including stop-work orders. You must also understand and comply with radiation work
permits and all postings and signs.
Radiation Protection (RP) Department
personnel responsible for implementing station policies, procedures, and programs, but
you are responsible for following them.
Dose History (NRC Form 4)
(or the plant's version of this form) is required to be updated with all previous
occupational exposure before a worker may receive more dose than members of the
general public.
You are responsible for reporting all possible exposure before working a plant. Also
applies to visiting another facility.
You have the right to review your dose history at any time by contacting the appropriate
plant department.
Federal Dose Limits
Occupational radiation dose limits are set by the NRC
Because certain parts of the body are more sensitive to radiation than others, different
limits have been established for different parts of the body based on the potential
biological effects.
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Whole Body
whole body only refers to the head, trunk, gonads, arms above elbows, and legs above
knees. It does not include internal organs or skin; those have separate limits.
Dose Limits
Federal Regulation 10 CFR 20 states that no licensee (nuclear plant) shall allow any
person to receive a total occupational dose greater than the legal limits specified
Whole body (TEDE) 5
Lens of eye 15
Training- FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2025/2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES || 100% GUARANTEED PASS
RECENT VERSION
The Basic Structure of an Atom
An atom consists of 3 parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Proton
Found in the Nucleus (center), has a Postive (+) charge
Neutron
Found in the Nucleus (center), has no charge
Electron
Orbit around nucleus, Negative (-) charge
Atoms
can be stable or unstable but like to be stable
Radioactive Decay
when atoms release energy in the form of waves or particles to become stable.
Fissioned
when a larger atom is split into two or more smaller atoms.
4 Radiation Sources in a Nuclear Plant
Fuel and Reactor Operations
Reactor Coolant
Activated Corrosion Products
Plant Components
Fuel and Reactor Operations
1.) Fission creates radioactive "fission products" (such as radioactive iodine)
2.) Neutronsnot absorbed atoms become a radiation hazard as long as the fission
process is occurring.
3.) When the reactor is shut down, and fission slows, neutron radiation is not a problem.
Reactor Coolant
1.) As reactor coolant passes through the reactor, it can become a source of radiation
during operations.
2.) Some of the chemicals used in the reactor coolant become radioactive and may
cause some radiation exposure for people near the pipes.
,Activated Corrosion Products
1.) As Corrosion products are carried through the reactor by the coolant they become
activated (made radioactive).
2.)They settle in low spots in the RCS or get stuck around valves and other components
and become a source of radiation exposure
(RCS)
reactor coolant system
Plant Components
1.) Filters remove corrosion products from the RCS, can become highly radioactive
2.) Low flow areas (such as valves and instrument connections) are also likely places
for corrosion products to collect.
4 Types of Radiation
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Neutron
4 Characteristics of Radiation
*penetrating ability
*shielding methods
*exposure hazard (for example, whole-body, skin, eyes)
* major sources
Alpha
* Penetrating ability: least penetrating ability of the four types; travels approximately one
inch in the air.
*Shielded by: a piece of paper, lightweight clothing, or outer layer of skin.
* Type hazard: internal hazard - can result in high dose to sensitive organs.
* Major source: nuclear fuel.
* Primarily found in or near the fuel assemblies -the main hazard from alpha radiation
exists only if the fuel assembly develops leaks.
Beta
*Penetrating ability: travels a few feet in the air.
* Shielded by: lightweight plastic or aluminum.
*Type hazard: eyes and skin are most susceptible to beta radiation. It can be an
internal hazard.
* Major source: most beta particles come from activated corrosion and fission
products.
*Additional information: personnel must work close to a beta source to receive
much dose.
*is a concern mainly when contaminated reactor systems and components are open,
such as valves that are disassembled for repair. Corrosion products frequently collect in
plant components, so opening them can create a significant beta radiation hazard.
Gamma
Gamma
* Penetrating ability: very high. Penetrates the whole body.
* Shielded by: very dense material; usually lead and steel.
*Type hazard: whole-body dose hazard.
* Major source: fission, fission products, and activation products in the primary
system piping.
*Additional information: has no mass or electrical charge - it is pure energy.
,*is the primary dose concern in a nuclear plant because it has a high penetration ability
- thru piping wall can give whole-body dose
Neutron
*Penetrating ability: very high.
*Shielded by: water, paraffin, or concrete.
* Type hazard: whole-body dose hazard.
*Major source: mainly a problem only near the reactor when it is operating.
*Additional information: Neutrons are freed from the nucleus by decay or fission
and have no electrical charge.
*Neutron radiation is normally a concern only when the reactor is running because they
are released during fission. Neutrons also create activation products.
ACP
Activated Corrosion Products
rem
Is a measure of any type of radiation in terms of the estimated biological effects. One
millirem (mrem or mr) is one thousandth of a rem.
dose
is the amount of radiation absorbed by the body or a particular organ. Dose is total
radiation exposure received
dose rate
is the amount of dose you receive in a certain period of time. It is usually measured in
terms of millirem per hour (unit of time) or simply mr/hr.
Dose rate is how fast you receive a dose
mr/r x hr = dose rate
TEDE
Total Effective Dose Equivalent.
External dose
comes from radiation sources located outside the body. The entire body, inside and out,
receives the dose..
Internal dose
comes from radioactive material deposited inside the body. The majority of this dose is
to the organ(s) where the radioactive material is deposited.
Possible Effects of Radiation
*No damage: Nothing happens, no damage to the cell as a result of radiation exposure.
* Damage but repair: The cell is damaged by exposure to radiation but repairs itself
before it reproduces.
*Mutation: The damage to the cell from radiation exposure is extensive and may result
in cell mutation but not cell death.
*Cell death: Damage to the cell from radiation exposure is so great that the cell dies.
Chronic Exposure
Chronic exposure is a series of small doses spread out over a long period (even months
or years).
Studies show a possible increased chance of health effects such as cancer from chronic
exposure to low levels of radiation.
Most exposure received at nuclear power plants (occupational dose) is chronic.
Acute Radiation Exposure
, A large dose of radiation received in a short period, usually less than 24 hours.
*During normal nuclear power plant activities, workers should not be exposed to
sources of radiation that will result in an acute exposure.
Genetic Effects from Radiation Exposure
Appear in future generations of an individual who received the dose. These may appear
as birth defects or other conditions.
Somatic Effects of Radiation Exposure
Occur in the individual who has received the radiation dose.
Two Types of Somatic Effects
*prompt effects
*delayed effects
Radiosensitivity
Cell reproduction slows as you age, so younger people are more sensitive to radiation
than are older people. Therefore, unborn children are more sensitive than infants and
infants are more sensitive than older children, and so on. This is called radiosensitivity.
Your Responsibilities
You must adhere to all written and verbal instructions provided by RP
including stop-work orders. You must also understand and comply with radiation work
permits and all postings and signs.
Radiation Protection (RP) Department
personnel responsible for implementing station policies, procedures, and programs, but
you are responsible for following them.
Dose History (NRC Form 4)
(or the plant's version of this form) is required to be updated with all previous
occupational exposure before a worker may receive more dose than members of the
general public.
You are responsible for reporting all possible exposure before working a plant. Also
applies to visiting another facility.
You have the right to review your dose history at any time by contacting the appropriate
plant department.
Federal Dose Limits
Occupational radiation dose limits are set by the NRC
Because certain parts of the body are more sensitive to radiation than others, different
limits have been established for different parts of the body based on the potential
biological effects.
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Whole Body
whole body only refers to the head, trunk, gonads, arms above elbows, and legs above
knees. It does not include internal organs or skin; those have separate limits.
Dose Limits
Federal Regulation 10 CFR 20 states that no licensee (nuclear plant) shall allow any
person to receive a total occupational dose greater than the legal limits specified
Whole body (TEDE) 5
Lens of eye 15
