Health hazards associated with rolling normal and enriched uranium-evaluation and control.

Abstract

Industrial health surveys have been made over a period of 5 years during rolling operations with normal uranium at LASL and at two off-site plants. The results indicated that personnel participating in this work were not exposed to above-tolerance levels of external or internal radiation hazards. The external radiation hazards were evaluated by means of personnel film badges. The internal hazards from alpha active particles were measured by means of air and urine samples. The exposure at LASL during normal uranium rolling (with adequate ventilation) never exceeded 10% of tolerance. During hot rolling (primary) operations at an off-site plant, with inadequate or no ventilation, personnel were exposed to levels of air-borne contamination above daily tolerance levels for short periods of time. During warm rolling (secondary) operations with normal uranium at a second off-site plant, exposures were less than 10% of daily tolerance levels. Industrial health surveys have been made during enriched uranium rolling operations at LASL. These rolling operations were performed in a workroom with ventilation designed for normal uranium operations. Results of air sampling indicate personnel were exposed to air concentrations above tolerance for short periods of time. Results of urine analysis showed the average exposures never exceeded 20%more » of tolerance. Hot rolllng from salt baths presents the greatest hazards. Hazards during warm rolling from oil baths are minimal. Recommendations are given for the control of health hazards.« less