Radiation Safety Practice Exam

In the context of damp wiping, what is essential for effective contamination removal?

1. The towel should be completely dry

2. The towel should be damp enough to cause contamination to stick

3. The surface should be rough for better adhesion

4. Using a single towel for all surfaces

The correct answer is: The towel should be damp enough to cause contamination to stick

For effective contamination removal through damp wiping, the towel should be damp enough to cause contamination to stick to it. A damp towel has the right moisture content to attract and capture particles and contaminants from a surface. This moisture creates a binding effect that helps lift and hold contaminants, making it easier to remove them from the surface being cleaned. Using a completely dry towel would not facilitate the adhesion of particulates, and may even result in dust or contaminants being pushed around rather than wiped away. While a rough surface may aid in some physical cleaning methods, it does not specifically contribute to the effectiveness of a damp wipe in terms of capturing contaminants. Additionally, using a single towel for all surfaces could risk cross-contamination, which undermines the purpose of the cleaning effort. Therefore, the dampness of the towel is key to optimizing the removal of contamination.