1. Scope
1.1 This specification is intended to provide a basis for identification of materials used to immobilize radioactive contamination, minimize exposure, and facilitate subsequent decontamination. 1.2 This specification establishes performance specifications for a stabilizer (coating or coating system) that is intended to immobilize dispersible radioactive contamination deposited on buildings and equipment as might result from a radiological dispersal device (RDD) event. 1.3 The intended use of this specification is primarily in an urban environment; however, it may be used in other environments such as suburban or rural areas. 1.4 The stabilizer is intended to be removable during subsequent decontamination and recovery operations. It is intended to prevent: (1) the contamination from further migrating into or along buildings, equipment, and other surfaces; (2) contamination from being resuspended into the air; and (3) the spread of contamination as a result of external forces such as vehicular or pedestrian traffic without unduly limiting access to the site. 1.5 A secondary feature of the coating is that it may act as a decontamination agent when it is subsequently removed. It is expected that a certain amount of contamination will be removed from the treated surface as a function of removing the stabilizing agent, thereby accomplishing some degree of decontamination. 1.6 An additional feature that would be desirable, but is not a requirement of this specification, would be the ability to attenuate gamma radiation. 1.7 The stabilizer is intended to be used as soon as possible after a dispersal event to minimize the spread of contamination and maximize the effectiveness of subsequent remediation activities. 1.8 The stabilizer is intended to reduce the airborne intake hazards of the radioactive contamination. 1.9 The stabilizer shall be applicable to both vertical and horizontal surfaces. 1.10 The stabilizer shall be able to work within a wide range of weather conditions. 1.11 The stabilizer may include constituents that will chemically bind and hold radioactive contamination. 1.12 Depending on the specific formulation used, the stabilizer may be harmful to vegetation. 1.13 The stabilizer shall allow for controlled removal from the site or equipment either through decomposition or physical detachment to decontaminate the site. 1.14 The stabilizer is not intended to be used by first responders immediately after an incident. 1.15 The stabilizer is not intended to extinguish fires that may be present at the site of a radiological dispersal. 1.16 A list of the radionuclides of interest for the purposes of this specification can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 1.17 This standard provides a set of specifications describing a stabilizer to be used to prevent the spread of radioactive contamination. Some of these specifications may prove difficult to meet. A product that meets some, but not all, of the performance specifications herein may have value, and this specification may be used as a guide by which to evaluate such products. 1.18 The values given in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. 1.19 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, is any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Keywords
9.1 cleanup; contain; dissolve; encapsulate; explosion; extinguish; fallout; fire; response; resuspension; stabilizer
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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