AAC NORM Waste Management System
   HSE Plan
   NORM Sampling Plan
   NORM Protection Plan (Training, PPE plan, Communication Interface, HSE KPI’s)
   NORM Handling (NORM Zoning, Surveys, Controls In/Out decontamination)
   NORM Area Visitors Procedure
   NORM Area Transportation Management (traffic rules, PTW, NORM receiving & sending)
   Interface Management (all stakeholders)
   AAC Emergency Response Plan – flow charts (multiple scenarios)
   NORM Radiological Safety Assessment
   Field Risk Assessments during multiple stages

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) can be found in various tools, plants and equipment used in the oil and gas industry. Here are some of the common items where NORM might be present:
   Pipes and Tubulars: NORM can accumulate as scale on the inside walls of pipes & production tubing or as sludge. These scales can contain radium and its decay products.
   Tanks and Vessels: Storage tanks, treatment vessels, and separators can accumulate NORM in sludge at the bottom or as scales on the walls.
   Valves and Pumps: NORM can accumulate in the form of scale in valves, pumps (including ESPs - Electrical Submersible Pumps), and other flow-control equipment.
   Spools: These are the sections of the pipe that connect different equipment in the oilfield. They can also accumulate NORM scale.
   Drilling Equipment: Drill bits and drilling mud used in the oil and gas extraction process can become contaminated with NORM.
   Water Treatment Plants: Facilities used for treating produced water from oil & gas operations can accumulate NORM in sludge or scale.
   Heat Exchangers and Coolers: Scale formation in heat exchangers and coolers used in oil & gas production processes can contain NORM.
   Compressors: Gas compressors used in the gas extraction process can accumulate NORM in the form of scale or sludge
   Oilfield Sludges: Various sludges generated from oil and gas production processes can contain high concentrations of NORM.
   Wellheads and Christmas Trees: Equipment at the wellhead, including Christmas trees, can have NORM scale buildup due to the flow of produced fluids.

It's important to note that the presence and concentration of NORM can vary greatly depending on the geographical location and the specific geological formation being accessed for oil and gas extraction. Regular monitoring and adherence to safety protocols are essential to manage the potential health risks associated with NORM in the oilfield.

NORM Decontamination:
Filtration Plant/Recycling Contaminated Water

NORM Decontamination:
Facilities for Tubular Decontamination

NORM Decontamination – Portable Solutions for Tubulars

NORM Decontamination – Sand and Pits

NORM Pre-Disposal Management

NORM Pre-disposal Management – Processing

The transportation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is regulated and classified according to international standards, including those set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA's guidelines are harmonized with the Dangerous Goods (DG) classification system used globally for the transportation of hazardous materials, including radioactive substances. Here's a brief overview of how NORM is transported under these regulations:

1. Classification: NORM is classified under the DG classification system, which categorizes hazardous materials for transport. Radioactive materials, including NORM, are generally classified under Class 7 in the DG classification system.

2. UN Numbers: NORM is assigned specific United Nations (UN) numbers that identify it as a hazardous material. These numbers are used internationally for the safe transportation of dangerous goods.

3. Packaging and Labeling: The IAEA provides strict guidelines on the packaging & labeling of radioactive materials for transport. This includes using containers that are designed to shield and contain the radiation and prevent the spread of contamination. The containers must be labeled with the appropriate DG class codes and UN numbers, along with other relevant hazard and handling information.

4. Documentation: Transporting NORM requires thorough documentation, including a declaration of the nature and quantity of the radioactive material, its classification, and emergency response information.

5. Transport Mode: The mode of transportation (road, rail, sea, or air) determines additional specific regulations and safety measures. For example, air transport of radioactive materials has different requirements compared to road transport.

6. Safety and Security Measures: There are stringent safety and security measures that must be adhered to during the transport of NORM. This includes ensuring the integrity of the packaging, regular monitoring for radiation, and adherence to route and transport method regulations.

7. Training and Competency: Personnel involved in the transportation of NORM must be adequately trained and competent in handling radioactive materials, understanding the hazards, and knowing the emergency procedures.

8. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with national and international regulations is mandatory. This includes adhering to IAEA standards as well as local and national laws regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for transporting NORM can vary depending on the country and the specific type and level of radioactivity of the material being transported. Therefore, it's essential for entities involved in the transportation of NORM to be well-versed in both international standards and local regulations.

NORM Transportation – Packaging

Here are some of the commonly used disposal methods:

1. Re-Injection.: This involves injecting NORM-contaminated materials, such as production waters or sludges, back into the subsurface, typically into depleted oil or gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. This method ensures that NORM is placed back into a geological setting similar to where it originated, reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

2. Burial in Licensed Facilities: Disposal in specially designed and licensed facilities is one of the safest methods for NORM waste. These acilities are designed to contain the waste safely and prevent any leaching or migration of radioactive materials into the environment. The waste is often solidified or stabilized before burial to reduce the risk of environmental contamination. Requires a dedicated area long term.

3. Incineration: This method is used for combustible NORM waste, such as contaminated equipment or sludges. Incineration reduces the volume of the waste and can sometimes render the remaining ash less radioactive. However, it's important to ensure that incineration is done in a controlled environment to prevent the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere. Mediation and not actually disposal. Ashes required to be controlled and disposed of.

4. Scattering (Land Spreading): In some cases, NORM-contaminated materials, particularly those with low levels of radioactivity, can be dispersed over a wide area of land. This method dilutes the concentration of radioactive materials. However, it's generally less preferred due to potential environmental and health risks and is subject to strict regulatory controls and environmental assessments. Not recommended Practice.

5. Storage: While not a permanent disposal method, storing NORM waste in secure containers or facilities can be an interim solution until a suitable disposal method is available. This approach is often used for high-level NORM waste or when immediate disposal is not feasible. Temporary.

6. Recycling and Reuse: In some cases, NORM-contaminated materials, like metals, can be decontaminated and recycled. This process involves removing the radioactive scale and then recycling the metal for reuse in non-radioactive applications.

7. Export: Transportation and foreign disposal is complex and costly.

It's crucial to follow regulatory guidelines and environmental safety protocols in the disposal of NORM waste. The choice of disposal method depends on the type, level of radioactivity and volume of the NORM waste, as well as the environmental and regulatory framework of the region.

Re-Injection: This involves injecting NORM-contaminated materials, such as production waters or sludges, back into the subsurface, typically into depleted oil or gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. This method ensures that NORM is placed back into a geological setting similar to where it originated, reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

Radiation Workers, Non-Nuclear: These are individuals who work in environments where they are exposed to sources of radiation, such as in medical facilities (radiographers, radiologists, radiation therapists), industrial settings where radioactive materials are handled.
Healthcare Professionals: This category includes medical personnel who may not directly work with radiation sources but need to understand radiation safety principles for patient care, such as nurses, doctors, and medical students.
Industrial Workers: Employees in industries that use or produce radioactive materials, such as mining, oil & gas, aerospace, and construction, need to be aware of radiation safety measures.
Environmental and Safety Officers: Professionals responsible for monitoring and ensuring safety in workplaces or areas where radiation is used, stored, or transported.
Emergency Responders: Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel who may be called to incidents involving radiation and need to understand how to respond safely.
Students and Researcher: Those studying or working in fields related to radiation or nuclear sciences need to be educated about radiation safety to handle materials safely in laboratories and research settings.
General Public: Awareness to basic radiation safety principles can benefit the public, particularly in understanding sources of radiation exposure and safety measures in everyday life, like sing household items or medical procedures involving radiation.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
   Define ionizing radiation, its sources, and the different types of radiation encountered in various applications.
   Describe the biological effects of radiation exposure and understand the principles of radiation dose limits and ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept.
   Identify potential radiation hazards and assess risks in different scenarios, such as medical, industrial, and research settings
   Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate radiation shielding and protective measures to minimize exposure.
   Understand the importance of radiation monitoring and the proper use of dosimeters to assess personal and environmental radiation doses.
   Recognize and implement safety protocols when working with radiation-emitting devices and radioactive materials.
   Comply with relevant national and international regulations and guidelines governing radiation safety
   Promote a culture of safety, including awareness of emergency procedures and the importance of effective communication in radiation-related incidents.
   Apply practical strategies to prevent accidents and handle radiation incidents in a safe and efficient manner
   Demonstrate the ability to provide guidance and educate others on basic radiation safety principles.

1. Introduction to Radiation Safety
   Atomic Structure
   Ionizing & non-ionizing radiation
   Definition of ionizing radiation
   History of Radioactivity
   Radioactivity and radioactive material
   Sources of ionizing radiation (natural and artificial)
   Types of ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays)
   Units of radiation measurement (e.g., Roentgen, Gray, Sievert)

2. Biological Effects of Radiation
  Acute and chronic effects of radiation exposure
  Understanding radiation dose and dose limits
  Factors influencing biological response to radiation
  Stochastic and deterministic effects

3. Radiation Protection Principles
  Time, distance, and shielding as protective measures
  ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept
  Personal protective equipment (PPE) for radiation safety
  Radiation protection regulations and guidelines.

4. Radiation Sources and Applications
  Industrial uses of radiation (e.g., non-destructive testing, radiography)
  Medical applications of radiation (X-rays, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine)
  Research and educational applications of radiation
  Common radioactive materials and their properties

5. Radiation Detection and Monitoring
   Use of dosimeters for personal and environmental monitoring
   Types of radiation detectors (e.g., Geiger-Muller, scintillation detectors)
   Interpretation of radiation monitoring results
   Proper handling and maintenance of radiation monitoring equipment

6. Safe Handling of Radiation Sources
   Security measures to prevent unauthorized access
   Transportation and storage of radioactive materials
   Handling procedures for sealed and unsealed sources
   Emergency response protocols for radiation incidents.

7. Radiation Safety in Medical Settings
   Radiation protection for patients, healthcare workers, and the public
   Quality assurance in medical radiography and fluoroscopy
   Radiation safety in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy
   Safe use of portable X-Ray equipment

8. Radiation Safety in Industrial Applications
  Radiation safety considerations in industrial radiography
  Radiation protection in industrial gauges and devices
  Radiation safety measures in industrial sterilization processes
  Control of radiation exposure in industrial facilities

9. Radiation Safety Training and Education
  Designing radiation safety training programs
  Communicating radiation risks and safety measures effectively
  Developing safety protocols for specific workplace scenarios
  Integrating radiation safety into standard operating procedures

10. Case Studies and Practical Exercises
  Reviewing real-life radiation safety incidents and their lessons
  Conducting practical exercises on handling radiation sources safely
  Simulating emergency response scenarios and mock drills
  Hands-on experience with radiation monitoring equipment