NEBOSH Practice Test

What hazard is primarily associated with low specific activity (LSA) radioactive sludge?

1. High pressure risk

2. Risk of fire and explosion

3. Corrosive chemical exposure

4. Electromagnetic interference

The correct answer is: Risk of fire and explosion

The hazard primarily associated with low specific activity (LSA) radioactive sludge is the risk of fire and explosion. LSA materials contain radioactive substances that, while relatively low in radioactivity, can still pose significant risks under certain conditions. The presence of organic materials, coupled with the conditions in which sludge is typically stored or treated, can create an environment conducive to combustion or even explosive reactions in some instances. The risk of fire arises from the organic constituents that may be present along with the radioactive materials. If these organic materials become concentrated or are exposed to heat, they can ignite. Furthermore, the nature of sludge storage and handling can lead to the accumulation of flammable gases, increasing the fire risk even further. While pressure risks, chemical exposure, and electromagnetic interference are serious hazards in their own right, they are not the primary concerns associated with LSA radioactive sludge specifically. The focus on fire and explosion underscores the need for careful management of storage and treatment practices to ensure safety when dealing with such materials.