What type of a survey is required to be performed upon exiting a contamination area?

When a person exits a contamination area, performing a whole body survey is essential to assess the extent of radioactive contamination that may have been acquired during their time within that area. This type of survey involves measuring the entire body to detect any potential radioactive material that could have been absorbed or deposited on the individual. The whole body survey provides comprehensive data, ensuring that even low levels of contamination, which may not be detected by more localized methods, are identified.

Other survey types, such as hand and foot surveys or bioassay samples, can be part of overall safety protocols; however, they focus on specific parts of the body or biological specimens rather than providing a full-body assessment. Thus, they might miss contamination that could exist elsewhere on the body. Whole body surveys create a more thorough safety measure and are often mandated in protocols for exiting contamination zones to ensure the worker’s safety and minimize the risk of spreading radioactive material outside of the controlled area.