Contamination can be removable, fixed, or a combination of the two.
Removable contamination represents a greater hazard.
Methods of detection should be used which can detect fixed or removable contamination, and differentiate between the two. The appropriate frequency and thoroughness of monitoring will depend on a variety of factors, including levels of activity handled, degree of containment, and control exercised. Individuals should monitor themselves and their clothing during and after each use. Facilities that are shared with other users should be surveyed before and after each use. Areas and items that should be monitored include hands, wrists, protective clothing, personal belongings, work surfaces, radioactivity processing and storage areas, heavy traffic areas, untidy areas, and equipment and materials leaving radioactivity handling areas.