For which areas are Double Step Pads required?

• A. High contamination areas
• B. Discrete radioactive particle areas
• C. Both of the above
• D. Neither of the above

Answer: (A)

Double Step Pads are a footwear contamination control measure used at entrances to zones with high contamination. They give two sequential opportunities to remove contaminants from shoe soles before someone steps into a cleaner area, reducing the chance of carrying radioactive material outside the contaminated zone. The first pad captures most contamination, while the second pad provides additional removal and acts as a safeguard in high-risk areas. In areas where contamination is limited to discrete particles, the primary controls focus more on targeted decontamination of surfaces rather than relying on continuous floor mats, so the need for double pads isn’t the same. Therefore, double step pads are required in high contamination areas.