ALARA – As Low As Reasonably Achievable

The guiding principle of radiation safety is “ALARA”. ALARA stands for “as low as reasonably achievable”. ALARA means avoiding exposure to radiation that does not have a direct benefit to you, even if the dose is small.
To do this, you can use three basic protective measures in radiation safety: time, distance, and shielding.

Time:

minimize time

“Time” simply refers to the amount of time you spend near a radioactive source. Minimize your time near a radioactive source to only what it takes to get the job done. If you are in an area where radiation levels are elevated,

  • complete your work as quickly as possible, and then
  • leave the area.

There is no reason to spend more time around it than necessary.

For an example of minimizing time, click here

Distance:

maximize distance

“Distance” refers to how close you are to a radioactive source.  Maximize your distance from a radioactive source as much as you can.  If you increase your distance, you decrease your dose.

For an example of maximizing distance, click here

Shielding:

use shielding

To shield yourself from a radiation source, you need to put something between you and the radiation source. The most effective shielding will depend on what kind of radiation the source is emitting. Some radionuclides emit more than one kind of radiation.

For an example of using shielding, click here

Time, Distance, and Shielding: Three Principles That Work Together
Image of patient having x-ray with technician behind barrier

You can see how these principles work together when you have an x-ray at your doctor’s office or clinic. The radiation technician goes behind a barrier while taking the x-ray image. The barrier protects them from repeated daily exposure to radiation.


If there is a radiation emergency, use time, distance, and shielding to protect yourself and your family.

Time

person sheltering inside of building

If a radiation emergency happens, get inside a stable building as quickly as possible.

Distance

How long you need to stay inside will depend on

  • the type and magnitude of the incident and
  • the amount of damage to critical infrastructure, like roads and bridges.

Emergency officials will instruct you when it is safe to leave the area.

Shielding

person sheltering in basement

If you are in a multistory building, move to the center floors.

If you are in a single story building, stay in the center away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.

You can also take shelter in a basement.

Using Personal Protective Equipment

If you are a first responder or radiation worker, you can use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize your exposure.

  • Respirators will help protect from inhalation hazards.
  • Protective clothing helps keep radioactive material off of skin and hair.
  • Alarming dosimeters help manage stay time and track your accumulated doses in an area with elevated radiation levels.

If radioactive material gets on skin, clothing, or hair, it’s important to get it off as quickly as possible.

For information on decontaminating yourself, click here

 

Anybody who works with radiation should work with their safety officers and radiation safety professionals. They should work together to determine PPE and instrumentation needed to stay safe.

ALARA Examples

Imagine spending the day at the beach.

image of seashore with palm trees and blue sky

If you stay in the sun the entire day, you will likely get sunburned.

sunburned foot

If are you are there for just a short period of time, you are less likely to get sunburned. The amount of time you are there makes a difference.

stopwatch in the sand

Imagine sitting very close to a fireplace.  You can feel the heat and may even be uncomfortable.

fireplace with burning logs

If you go to the other side of the room, you would be more comfortable. So as you move away, the intensity decreases. 

man and woman sitting in front of fireplace with burning logs

You can use something as thin as a sheet of paper to shield yourself from alpha particles. Our outer layer of dead skin cells can also act as a shield.

illustration of alpha particles blocked by sheet of paper

You can shield yourself from beta particles using a few inches of plastic or a layer of clothing.

illustration of beta particles shielded by plastic

You can shield yourself from gamma rays by adding

  • a few inches of lead or
  • other dense substance

between you and the source of radiation.

illustration of gamma rays being blocked by lead

Page last reviewed: May 17, 2022