Radiation Safety
Because of the concentration of uranium and its radioactive properties, concerns have been expressed about worker health and safety in uranium mines and mills. According to Saskatchewan Interactive:
- Employees at uranium operations are monitored continuously for radiation exposure by using individual radiation dosimeters carried by employees. The dosimeters record the cumulative dose received. The dosimeters are submitted regularly to Health Canada, which reports the results and maintains a central registry.
- Special personal dosimeters are also used to provide immediate feedback of radiation exposure levels and certain areas in the workplace are equipped with devices that record and display ambient radiation continuously.
- In 1995, the average annual gamma radiation dose experienced was about 1% of the allowable limit. The radon exposure at mining operations was 5% of the allowable limit. No employee has ever exceeded the allowable limits for radiation exposure.
- More stringent standards which lower the radiation dose limits and include a formula that combines radiation, radon and dust intake, are now in place and uranium mining operations in Saskatchewan comply with the new limits. For operations, such as McArthur River and Cigar Lake, where ore grade is high, remote control equipment and containment of the ore will help ensure levels will remain well below the new limits.