What immediate action should be taken when surface contamination is suspected?

When surface contamination is suspected, using monitoring devices is essential to confirm the presence and level of contamination. Monitoring devices, such as Geiger counters or scintillation detectors, provide real-time measurements of radiation levels on surfaces, allowing for an accurate assessment of the situation. This immediate action helps determine the necessary steps to address the contamination effectively and ensure the safety of personnel and the surrounding environment.

By employing monitoring devices, operators can detect whether the surface is indeed contaminated and to what extent, which is crucial for deciding the next steps. It establishes a baseline for further actions, such as containment or decontamination, based on the data collected.

Assessing and containing the spill is a critical step following the detection of contamination, but it should be done after confirming the presence of radioactive material. Documenting and reporting the observation is important for maintaining records and for safety protocols, but those actions occur after an initial assessment with monitoring devices. Ignoring the situation could lead to potential risks for health and safety, so it's imperative to address contamination concerns actively and immediately with the appropriate tools.