The Bureau of International Recycling has begun distributing a poster to assist recyclers in identifying radioactive sources. The poster also provides suggestions for gate monitoring and for what recyclers should do if they suspect radioactive material.

The poster suggests that recyclers:

Isolate the suspicious car, van, truck, containers or equipment. If necessary, stop further processing and dispatching of metal products or wastes

Identify people whom may have been exposed to radiation and record their contact information

Inform the managing director/operator of the incident; they may seek the assistance of an on-site radiation safety person or external qualified experts

Learn about basic radiological protection; if the company has a gate monitor or portable detector, ask how it works

The poster also provides advice on reducing the risk of radiation exposure and a list of don'ts which include:

Don't touch or pick up packages or containers with a radioactivity symbol and stay as far away from them as possible

Don't open or destroy any suspicious container under any circumstances. Opening a container may be dangerous for you, your fellow workers and the public. Note that heavy metal containers or shielding blocks may be constructed of depleted uranium rather than of lead

Don't touch suspect or actual radioactive material with your bare hands

(Sourced from www.bir.org)