Which safety practice is essential when handling radioactive waste?

Ensuring proper shielding and containment is a crucial safety practice when handling radioactive waste. This practice is essential because radioactive materials emit ionizing radiation, which can pose significant health risks to individuals if they are not properly contained. Adequate shielding minimizes exposure to radiation by utilizing materials that can absorb or deflect radiation, reducing the radiation levels that can reach personnel nearby.

Containment refers to using appropriate waste containers designed specifically for radioactive materials. These containers prevent leakage and dispersal of radioactive substances, ensuring that they do not contaminate the surrounding environment. The combination of proper shielding and containment is vital for protecting workers, the public, and the environment from the potential hazards associated with radioactive waste.

Inadequate safety practices, such as using unmarked containers, storing radioactive waste in public areas, or handling it without protective equipment, increase the risks of exposure and contamination, which is why those options do not represent acceptable practices.