What action should be taken if levels exceed >500 rad/hr in a work area?

When radiation levels exceed 500 rad/hr in a work area, the appropriate action is to evacuate the area immediately. This threshold is considered dangerously high and poses an immediate risk to health and safety. High radiation levels can lead to acute radiation sickness, and prolonged exposure can result in severe health consequences, including death.

Evacuating the area ensures that workers can avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful radiation. This action prioritizes safety and compliance with health and safety regulations that dictate the necessary responses in situations involving hazardous radiation levels. Proceeding with operations as normal, increasing work speed, or monitoring for changes later would jeopardize the safety of personnel and could lead to severe and potentially life-threatening situations. Thus, immediate evacuation is the only responsible and effective response in this scenario.