Open Pit Uranium Mines

["William O. Sayre" <sayre@santafe.edu>]

I'm new to radiation safety and would like some advice regarding safety
while doing research at unreclaimed open pit uranium mines (not
underground).  I plan on taking students to some of these mines in the
Grants Uranium District here in New Mexico.  We'll be taking water and soil
samples for analytical work; our purpose is to judge the effectiveness of
reclamation at another mine undergoing reclamation by comparing it to
unreclaimed mines.  We are interested primarily in the mobility of
non-radionuclides.

I propose that the students and faculty members wear TL dosimeters
(processed monthly).  We will use an Aware Electronics RM-80 radiation
monitor (type 7313 mica tube; alpha, beta and gamma) to map out radiation
levels before we begin our sampling.  We will carry the radiation monitor
with us at all times (primarily to allay my students' fears).  We will
carry 3-M HEPA disposable masks for use when radon or particulates are
present.  We won't work at all on very calm days (radon buildup) or on very
windy days (particulates carrying radon daughter products).  Participants will
undergo a uranium urinalysis before and after the project.  The New Mexico
State Mine Inspector will join us for our first day's work to give us a
safety lecture and discuss radiation hazards.

Any comments?  Have I missed anything or got anything wrong, in your
opinion?  Does the mask I've chosen filter Radon?  Is there such a thing?  My
students and I don't seem to be regulated--I wouldn't mind a few rules to
guide me!

Thanks.

William O. Sayre
Assoc. Prof. of Geology and Chair, Department of Science and Mathematics
Chair, Environmental Health and Safety Committee
College of Santa Fe
1600 St. Michael's Drive
Santa Fe, New Mexico  87501
(505) 473-6305
sayre@santafe.edu