Signs and Their Meaning

The main radiation sign contains the symbol of a skull and bones. The skull is probably the most universal sign for death which will warn people of the dangers that lie ahead should they enter the facility. The radiation symbol is recognizable internationally for radioactive materials. (http://www.worksafesask.ca/files/ont_iapa/safetysigns.html). It will be laced with the same radioactive substances found in the facility. This is a precaution in case those from the future fail to recognize any of the symbols. Hopefully someone will have some sort of sensor for measuring radiation and therefore connect the symbols to the radioactive contents. Also included in this sign are the scientifically recognized radioactive isotopes for the materials found below: Pu238, Pu239 and U239. These are the most common forms of radioactive Plutonium and Uranium. The isotopes are internationally understood by all in the scientific world and remain the same regardless of any language that is spoken.


 
 
The second sign indicating that drilling is not a good idea in the area. It also contains the skull and bones for the same reasons stated above. There is a depiction of the ground being drilled, illustrating the activity in question. The large red “X” that appears over the drill is understood simply as “no”, indicating that this activity is strictly prohibited. The radioactive symbols (also laced with radioactive substances) are located beneath the ground to illustrate that there is radiation found underneath.


The third sign warns that one should not drink water from this area. It also contains the image of the skull and bones (for reasons found stated above). The radiation symbols (laced again with the radioactive substances) are present as well. There is an image of a head with its mouth open to demonstrate the activity of drinking. There is also a water bottle with H2O written on it to illustrate water (the scientific name is understood widely whereas to write “Water” would be not practical to those who do not understand English). The water droplet falling into the mouth reinforces the idea of drinking, and the big “X” found over the head and water bottle indicates that the activity is prohibited. The two radiation signs found at each corner are, once again, reminders of the radioactivity of the whole area.