Wash bottles are laboratory devices that are included in a gas flow (e.g. in the branch of an exhaust air flow from a mine). Through an immersion tube (similar to a straw dipped into a liquid) the gas is forced to run through a liquid contained in the bottle before it leaves the bottle again. Thus it is possible to examine the composition of gases: Gases soluble in the liquid and entrapped airborne particles (aerosols) remain in the liquid and can be determined subsequently.

Aerosols washed out by rain.

Determined requirements on waste packages to be disposed of, taking into account site-specific conditions.

Containers such as drums, flasks, containers, drums, concrete casks or casting vessels, in which the waste products are stores. For the Konrad repository, drums have to be packed in containers.

Comprises waste containers with comparable release behaviour of radioactive materials.

Data sheet containing repository relevant data on waste packages.

Collective term for drums containing waste.

Processed radioactive waste without packaging or unprocessed radioactive waste placed into a container.

Hardened immobilisation material in which radioactive waste is immobilised.

Collective term for waste products and packaging.

Proof that waste packages are in compliance with waste acceptance requirements.

Waste products with comparable release behaviour of radioactive materials.

Type of primary radioactive waste accruing (such as combustible, solid materials, scrap, ion-exchange resins)

Water from the facility intended for discharge of which has been discharged.

The wavelength is the distance of neighbouring oscillation states of the same phase in the direction of propagation, e.g. between two wave crests following upon each other. Wavelength and frequency are connected to each other.

The measure of wavelength is metre (m):

1 millimeter (mm) = 1/1000 m
1 mikrometer (µm) = 1/1000 mm
1 nanometer (nm) = 1/1000 µm

Measuring instrument for the detection of the activity of radionuclides in the whole human body. Only radionuclides emitting gamma radiation can be measured. A whole-body counter mostly consists of

• a couch or a chair the person to be examined is lying or sitting on during the measurement,
• one or several detectors to measure the gamma radiation emanating the measured person's body during the measurement, and
• a suitable shielding of the measuring instrument against environmental radiation.

Older devices use sodium iodide detectors. Instead of these, highpure germanium detectors are used increasingly, the latter having a significantly higher energy resolution (the higher the energy resolution, the better the various measured radionuclides can be distinguished from each other).

Product of the mean absorbed dose of the whole body and the radiation weighting factor. If several types of radiation are involved the total whole-body dose is the sum of the respective components. The unit of the whole-body dose is J/kg with the special name Sievert (Sv).

The wipe test is carried out by a sample manipulator using a wipe test monitor. Wipes are used to measure the alpha and beta surface contamination. 

Worldwide largest uranium miner cohort study including almost 60.000 miners who were occupationally exposed to radon and worked in uranium ore mining in former East Germany.

1. Target surface for production.
2. The lateral boundary surface of a mine opening.

Working place in underground operation where mining works are carried out, such as heading, mining, tipple, etc.

Rehabilitation of existing but collapsed or stowed mine openings.

The worst case, corresponds to the concurrence of the most unfavourable conditions occurring in reality.