N.O.R.

M (LSA)

What does it stand for?

N.O.R.M
Naturally occurring Radioactive
material
Formerly known as

L.S.A
Low specific activity

What is N.O.R.M?
N.O.R.M is a combination of naturally

occurring radionuclides and radioactive

deposits predominately Radium 226

but could include

Uranium 238
Thorium 232
Polonium 210

Where does it come from?

From the reservoir in form of

contaminated scale within the

produced water

Where will we find it on the

Janice?
The HOT SPOTS are the Produced
water hydrocyclones

It is also found

At the production chokes

Produced water Degasser

What are the hazards?

N.O.R.M emits alpha, beta and gamma
radiations which have been proven to
cause Cancer.

From a Janice perspective ingestion

and inhalation of the alpha and beta

radiations are of most concern to
human health

Why is this?
Alpha particles have a very short

range and cannot penetrate through

water

Beta particles have a longer range but

cannot penetrate
through paper or
more importantly human skin

 So although neither alpha or beta particles

can pass into the body through skin, once
ingested or inhaled they cannot get out of
the body and become trapped

Once in the body they sit in the lungs or

stomach and continue to emit radiation

until they are depleted which can be many
years

 The effects are cumulative so further

inhalation or ingestion increases the
risk

This can lead to the development of

CANCER

How can we protect

ourselves?

Correct PPE
Containment
Good hygiene

How can we protect

ourselves?

Correct PPE
-Slicker suit

-rubber gloves
-Wellington boots
-Goggles or face visor

 Containment
-Barrier off work area
-minimise spread of contamination
-Store contaminated
sand/scale/sludge in secure drums

Good hygiene
-Wash down PPE with water

before removal
-Wash hands before eating or
smoking

Role of the platform RPS

(Radiation Protection Supervisor)
The role of the RPS is to supervise

the work carried on by the employer

to ensure compliance with the
regulations in respect of work carried
out in any area made subject to local
rules.

What does this mean?

RPS needs to understand the

requirements of the regulations and

local rules
RPS needs to understand the
precautions to be taken whilst
carrying out work activities
RPS needs to know what to do in the
event of an emergency

 RPS takes samples of contaminated

material for onshore analysis

RPS ensures correct de-contamination
of personnel and equipment is carried
out
RPS ensures correct disposal of
contaminated material e.g. overboard