What steps should be taken to locate a lost radioactive source within a facility?

• A. Immediately stop work; secure area; use a survey instrument to search; notify the RSO; follow procedure for inventory and safety; document.
• B. Continue work; ignore.
• C. Post on notice board.
• D. Call security only.

Answer: (A)

When a radioactive source is lost, the top priority is to protect people from unnecessary exposure and prevent spread of contamination. The proper response is to immediately stop work, secure the area to restrict access, and begin a search with an appropriate survey instrument to locate the source. Having trained personnel conduct the search ensures proper detection and handling of any radiological risk.

Notifying the Radiation Safety Officer is essential so they can coordinate the response, perform dose assessment, and guide the search team with correct safety procedures. Following the facility’s established inventory and safety procedures ensures the missing source is accounted for, properly contained, and all safety controls are applied. Documenting every step creates a traceable record for investigation, corrective actions, and regulatory reporting.

Other actions don’t address the radiological hazard adequately: continuing work or ignoring the loss leaves exposure risk unmitigated, while simply posting a notice or contacting security alone does not initiate the formal search, dose assessment, or source accounting required for a safe resolution.