physics survey data from the glovebox provided a clear picture of the radiological environment. Additional control measures were implemented to ensure operator safety. Lead aprons were used to reduce whole body dose— previous campaigns had shown up to 80 % reduction in whole body dose from wearing these. Shielded gloves were introduced to limit extremity exposure and cut-resistant gloves were worn throughout to mitigate the risk of contaminated wounds due to the sharps hazards presented by degraded bottles. Specific eye lens dosimetry was also added using cap dosemeters which were processed rapidly after each entry, providing reassurance before subsequent shifts.
With these measures in place, the task proceeded. The glovebox was successfully inerted with argon, and the PVC packages were carefully cut open, allowing the trapped hydrogen to vent safely through the extract system. Once deflated, the packages could be handled more easily, and the contents of
Analytical glovebox containing legacy waste packages
each bottle were transferred into new robust containers. These were then posted out of the glovebox for onward disposal.
18 Radiation Protection Today www. srp-rpt. uk