Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is a naturally occurring substance that contains radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and radium. NORM can be found in soil, rocks, water, and even in food. NORM is a mandatory online safety course for employees who work in environments that contain naturally radioactive elements. Although working with NORM is regulated by territorial and provincial governments, the Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials has recently been developed to set appropriate standards throughout the country.
NORM DEFINITION
What is NORM?
NORM stands for “Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material.” It refers to materials and substances that contain radioactive elements and emit radiation as part of their natural composition. NORM is found in various geological formations, soils, minerals, and even in some building materials. It is distinct from anthropogenic (human-made) radioactive materials, which are created through activities such as nuclear power generation, medical procedures, and industrial processes.
Which are the main types of NORMs?
There are several main types of NORMs, including:
- Uranium: Uranium is a radioactive element that is found in rocks, soil, and water. It is used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity.
- Thorium: Thorium is a radioactive element that is found in rocks, soil, and water. It is used in nuclear reactors and as a catalyst in industrial processes.
- Radium: Radium is a radioactive element that is found in rocks, soil, and water. It is used in medical treatments and in some industrial processes.
- Potassium-40: Potassium-40 is a radioactive isotope that is found in bananas, potatoes, and other foods.
Which are the main hazards?
Exposure to NORMs can pose several hazards, including:
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to NORM can result in exposure to radiation, which can cause harmful health effects such as cancer, genetic damage, and radiation sickness. There are three basic types of radiation that may be emitted by NORM:
- alpha (α) radiation is made up of heavy, charged particles that cannot penetrate very far, even in air. They can be stopped by a piece of paper.
- beta (β) radiation consists of lighter charged particles than alpha particles, that travel faster and are thus more penetrating than alpha radiation. Beta radiation can be stopped by a few centimetres of plywood.
- gamma (γ) radiation consists of high-energy rays, and is very penetrating. It can be stopped by a metre of concrete or several metres of water. (Source: Government of Canada, Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-risks-safety/canadian-guidelines-management-naturally-occurring-radioactive-materials.html)
- Inhalation and ingestion: NORM can enter the body through inhalation and ingestion, which can lead to radiation exposure.
- Contamination: NORM can contaminate surfaces, equipment, and clothing, which can lead to radiation exposure if not properly managed.
NORM LEGISLATION
What is federal legislation?
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), formerly the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB), has legislative control of nuclear fuel cycle materials and man-made radionuclides. However, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is exempt from CNSC jurisdiction except for the import, export and transport of the material. Therefore, jurisdiction over use and radiation exposure to NORM rests with each Canadian province and territory.
It has been the practice for companies that encounter challenges associated with NORM to seek advice on safety procedures from provincial and territorial regulatory agencies. Such advice has been given on an ad hoc basis, leading to inconsistencies in the interpretation and application of radiation safety standards across Canada.
The Federal Provincial Territorial Radiation Protection Committee (FPTRPC), a Canadian intergovernmental committee established to support federal, provincial and territorial radiation protection agencies in carrying out their respective mandates, recognizes that the potential radiation hazards from NORM are the same as those from radioactive materials controlled by the CNSC.
The basic principle of these guidelines is that where workers or the public are exposed to additional sources or modes of radiation exposure because of activities involving NORM, the same radiation protection standards should be applied as for CNSC regulated activities. This applies to situations where NORM is in its natural state and to cases in which the concentration of NORM material has been increased by processing.
Shipments of NORM may fall under federal transportation regulations, the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations (PTNSR) and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR). The TDGR outlines the responsibilities of the consignor, consignee and transporter and the PTNSR
(Source: Government of Canada, Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-risks-safety/canadian-guidelines-management-naturally-occurring-radioactive-materials.html)
What is provincial and territorial legislation?
Provincial and territorial governments in Canada also have legislation and regulations in place to manage the use and handling of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) within their jurisdictions. These regulations are often similar to the federal regulations set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) but may also have additional requirements specific to the province or territory.
For example, some provinces may have their own agencies responsible for overseeing NORM safety, while others may rely on the CNSC for regulatory oversight. It is important for companies and organizations handling NORM to be familiar with the specific requirements in the provinces or territories where they operate.
NORM SAFETY
What is NORM Material Safety?
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) Safety is designed to provide workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely handle and manage materials containing naturally occurring radioactive materials. The training covers the potential health risks associated with exposure to NORM, proper handling and disposal procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment.
It is essential for workers in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and construction, where NORM may be present. The training should be tailored to the specific needs of the industry and the job tasks of the workers.
Who is responsible for NORM Safety?
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. This includes protecting employees from Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent exposure to those materials, and to respond effectively when incidents do occur.
One of the key steps that employers can take to prevent this is to provide their employees with appropriate training. This training should cover the risks associated with NORM, safe handling practices, and the use of protective equipment.
Who needs NORM Safety training?
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) Safety is essential for workers who are exposed to naturally occurring radioactive materials in their workplace. This includes workers in industries such as oil and gas production, mining and mineral processing, water treatment, and transportation.
Can you do NORM Safety training online?
This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.
Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.
Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.
However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it’s essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.
Where can you purchase NORM Safety online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
NORM SAFETY CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Safety should cover a range of topics, including:
- The properties and behavior of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)
- How NORM can be produced and where it is commonly found
- The health hazards associated with exposure to NORM
- The regulatory framework governing NORM in Canada
- The specific NORM regulations in the province or territory where the training is taking place
- The proper handling and disposal of NORM-containing materials
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures for working with NORM
- Emergency response procedures in the event of a NORM incident
- How to conduct a risk assessment for NORM-containing materials
- How to implement and follow safe work practices when working with NORM
- How to properly monitor and measure NORM levels in the workplace.
How long is the certificate valid?
In general, refresher training may be required every two to three years to maintain the certification. Working around radioactive materials can have life-threatening consequences, which is why you should always be up to speed with the latest safety standards.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
NORM safety is an important aspect of workplace safety in industries that deal with naturally occurring radioactive materials. Federal and provincial regulations exist to protect workers from the hazards of NORM exposure. Proper training and education can reduce the risk of harm to workers, and a valid NORM safety certificate is required to work in NORM-related industries.