REMSCO RP Training-1modified
Transcript of REMSCO RP Training-1modified
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Radiation Safety Training
for First Responders
Regional EMS CouncilRegional EMS Councilof New York Cityof New York City
Presented by:Presented by:
Greater New York ChapterGreater New York Chapter
Health Physics SocietyHealth Physics Society
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Objectives
Radiation and Radioactivity Biological Effects, Risks, and Limits
Radiation Sources
Protection from Radiation and Radioactivity
Measurements
Use of Instruments
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Part 1:
Radiation andRadioactivity
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What Is Radiation?The spontaneous emission of fragments or bundles of
energy from unstable nuclei creating more stable nuclei
Radioactive Atom Energy Release
Emits radiation in the
form of particles and waves
Becomes more stable
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Helium Atom
+
Proton (p)
Neutron (n)
Electron (e)
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Ionizing Radiation
Radiation with enoughRadiation with enoughenergy to causeenergy to cause
ionizations.ionizations.
Change a neutral atomChange a neutral atomor molecule to one withor molecule to one with
positive or negativepositive or negative
charge.charge.
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Types of Ionizing Radiation
Alpha positively chargedAlpha positively chargedparticles that can be stopped byparticles that can be stopped bya sheet of paper.a sheet of paper.
Beta electrons that can beBeta electrons that can bestopped by plastic.stopped by plastic.
Gamma/X energeticGamma/X energeticpenetrating rays that can bepenetrating rays that can be
reduced by lead.reduced by lead.
Neutron only during reactorNeutron only during reactoror accelerator operation, or rareor accelerator operation, or raresources reduced by water andsources reduced by water and
other light materials.other light materials.
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Distance Helps !
When you double the distance the dose isWhen you double the distance the dose is
decreased by 4 times (or to 1/4)decreased by 4 times (or to 1/4)
Good for Point SourcesGood for Point Sources
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Radiation Absorbed Dose (rad)
Definition:Definition:
tthe energy deposited by ionizing radiationhe energy deposited by ionizing radiationin a unit mass of materialin a unit mass of material
Units:Units:
rad = 100 ergs/gram,rad = 100 ergs/gram,
gray (Gy) = 100 radgray (Gy) = 100 rad
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Dose Equivalent (Rem)
Definition:Definition:
A common scale for equating relativeA common scale for equating relative
hazard of various types of ionizinghazard of various types of ionizing
radiation in terms of equivalent riskradiation in terms of equivalent risk
Units:Units:
Rem = Q x radRem = Q x radSievert (Sv) = 100 remSievert (Sv) = 100 rem 1
10
Gamma, X-ray
Neutrons up to
1Beta
20Alpha
Q
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Radioactive
A material that contains many unstable nucleiA material that contains many unstable nuclei
which emit radiation.which emit radiation.
N
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Radioactive Contamination
Radioactive material that is in a place whereRadioactive material that is in a place where
it is not wanted .it is not wanted .
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Radioactive Contamination
Can be in the form of:Can be in the form of:
Solid (powder, dust, etc.)Solid (powder, dust, etc.)
LiquidLiquid
GasGas
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Units of Radioactivity
Curie (Ci) = 37 billion dis/sec. . . 37,000,000,000Curie (Ci) = 37 billion dis/sec. . . 37,000,000,000 millicurie (mCi) = 1 / 1000 Ci . . 37,000,000millicurie (mCi) = 1 / 1000 Ci . . 37,000,000
microcurie (uCi) = 1 / 1,000,000 Ci . . 37,000microcurie (uCi) = 1 / 1,000,000 Ci . . 37,000
1 disintegration/sec = 1 Bequerel (Bq)1 disintegration/sec = 1 Bequerel (Bq) 1 Bq = 1 dis/sec = 60 dis/min (dpm)1 Bq = 1 dis/sec = 60 dis/min (dpm)
Radioisotopes often come in units of MBqRadioisotopes often come in units of MBq1 MBq = 1,000,000 Bq = 27 microcurie (uCi)1 MBq = 1,000,000 Bq = 27 microcurie (uCi)
1 millicurie = 37 MBq1 millicurie = 37 MBq
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Half - Life
0
50
100
1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of Half-Lives
%
of
Radioactivity
Initial
Activity
The time required for the radioactivity todecrease to one-half of its
initial value
Decrease in
Radioactivity
with Time
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Radioactivity Hazardous?
3 Things you should know to find out what3 Things you should know to find out what
kind of hazards are presented:kind of hazards are presented:
What type of radiation is emitted?What type of radiation is emitted?
Alpha, beta, or gammaAlpha, beta, or gamma
Half-Life long or short?Half-Life long or short?
Solid or Dispersible?Solid or Dispersible?
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Part 2:
Effects ofRadiation
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Radiation: Is It Safe???
Is Fire Safe?
Is Water Safe?
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External Vs. Internal Exposure
ExternalExternal
Outside of bodyOutside of body
Add external andAdd external and
internal to give totalinternal to give totaldosedose
InternalInternalMaterials in bodyMaterials in body
Inhalation or ingestionInhalation or ingestion
Through breaks in skinThrough breaks in skin
Long term in bodyLong term in body Material is removed fromMaterial is removed from
body by natural processesbody by natural processes
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Pathways for Radioactive Material
Entry into the Body
Inhalation
Ingestion
Skin
Absorption
Cuts,
wounds,injections
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Acute vs Chronic Dose AcuteAcute
Large dose in shortLarge dose in short
time (300 rem / hr)time (300 rem / hr)
May cause earlyMay cause earlyeffectseffects
Effects known from:Effects known from: Bomb victimsBomb victims
RadiographyRadiography AccidentsAccidents
ChronicChronic Small doses over timeSmall doses over time May cause delayed effectsMay cause delayed effects
Possible for workers (butPossible for workers (butnot observed)not observed)
Analogy with SunAnalogy with Sun Acute exposure gives sunAcute exposure gives sun
burn, peeling, new skinburn, peeling, new skin Chronic leads to repairChronic leads to repair
(tan)(tan) Both may lead to cancerBoth may lead to cancer
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Chronic Health Effects
from Radiation Radiation is a weak carcinogen at low dosesNo unique effectsNatural incidence of cancer ~ 40%;
mortality ~ 25% Risk of fatal cancer is estimated as ~ 4% per100 rem
A dose of 5 rem increases the risk of fatal
cancer by ~ 0.2% A dose of 25 rem increases the risk of fatal
cancer by ~ 1%
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Occupational Dose Limits
Whole body dose -Whole body dose - 5 rem / yr5 rem / yr Organ dose -Organ dose - 50 rem / yr50 rem / yr
Lens of the eye -Lens of the eye - 15 rem / yr15 rem / yr
Extremities -Extremities - 50 rem / yr50 rem / yr
Skin (shallow dose) -Skin (shallow dose) - 50 rem / yr50 rem / yr
1 rem = 1000 millirem1 rem = 1000 millirem
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Comparison With Other Risks
Risks Expected LifeLost
Smoking (1 pack a day) 6 yrOverweight (15%) 2 yr
Alcohol 1 yrAccidents 1 yr
Motor vehicle 207 daysHome 74 daysDrowning 24 days
Natural hazards (floods, etc) 7 daysMedical radiation 6 daysOccupational exposure
300 mrem/yr (age 18 to 65) 15 daysOne time exposure of 10 rem 15 days
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Assumptions for Safety
Risks uncertain, thereforeRisks uncertain, therefore
Assumes that all doses have some effectAssumes that all doses have some effect
No evidence of effect at low dosesNo evidence of effect at low doses
ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
Margin of safetyMargin of safety
Do better thanDo better than the limitsthe limits
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EPA Emergency Dose
Guidelines
Voluntary basis,person is fully
aware of risks
Lifesaving orprotect population
> 25 rem
Where lower dose
limit not practical
Lifesaving or
protect population
25 rem
Where lower dose
limit not practical
Protection of
major property
10 rem
All5 rem
ConditionsActivityDose Limit
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Estimating the severity of radiation injury isEstimating the severity of radiation injury isdifficult.difficult.
Treat symptomatically. Prevention andTreat symptomatically. Prevention andmanagement of infection is the primarymanagement of infection is the primary
objective.objective. Seek the guidance of experts.Seek the guidance of experts.
Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/
Training Site (REAC/TS)Training Site (REAC/TS) Medical Radiobiology Advisory TeamMedical Radiobiology Advisory Team
(MRAT)(MRAT)
Treatment of Large External
Exposures
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Part 3:
RadiationSources
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Typical Radiation Exposures
~ 363 mrem/yr
Radon-200
Cosmic-27
Earth-28
Internal-39
Med Xray-39
Nuc Med-14
Cons Prod-10
Occupational-0.2
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Comparing Levels of Radiation
US Avg Per YearUS Avg Per Year
Chest X-rayChest X-ray
Radiation WorkerRadiation Worker
GI SeriesGI Series
Cancer TherapyCancer Therapy
Food IrradiationFood Irradiation
Sterilization (medicalSterilization (medical
equipment, etc.)equipment, etc.)
363 mrem/year363 mrem/year
20 mrem20 mrem
100-500 mrem/year100-500 mrem/year
5,000 mrem (5 rem)5,000 mrem (5 rem)
> 1,000> 1,000 remrem (local)(local)
>100,000>100,000 remrem to foodto food
>1,000,000>1,000,000 remrem to eqptto eqpt
E l f R di ti M t i l
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Physical
Radionuclide Half-Life Activity Use
Cesium-137 30 yrs 1.5x106 Ci Food IrradiatorCobalt-60 5 yrs 15,000 Ci Cancer Therapy
Plutonium-239 24,000 yrs 600 Ci Nuclear Weapon
Iridium-192 74 days 100 Ci Industrial Radiography
Hydrogen-3 12 yrs 12 Ci Exit SignsStrontium-90 29 yrs 0.1 Ci Eye Therapy Device
Iodine-131 8 days 0.015 Ci Nuclear Medicineand Therapy
Technetium-99m 6 hrs 0.025 Ci Diagnostic Imaging
Americium-241 432 yrs 0.000005 Ci Smoke Detectors
Radon-222 4 days 1 pCi/l Environmental Level
Examples of Radioactive Materials
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Radiopharmaceuticals
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Consumer Products
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Soil Density Gauge
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Radiography Source
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Radioactive Waste
R di i M i l
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Radioactive MaterialTransportation
Labels on Packages
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Part 4:Protection from
Radiation andRadioactivity
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Radiological Incident Control
Identify the SubstanceIdentify the SubstanceConsider all potential hazardsConsider all potential hazards
Establish Contamination Control ZonesEstablish Contamination Control Zones
Protect Personnel from Radiation ExposureProtect Personnel from Radiation ExposureFollow EPA Protective Action Guides forFollow EPA Protective Action Guides for
radiation exposureradiation exposure
Time, Distance, ShieldingTime, Distance, Shielding
Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective EquipmentProtect Equipment from contaminationProtect Equipment from contamination
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R di l i l I id t C t l
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Radiological Incident Control
Protect equipment from
contamination and mark
off hot, warm, and cold
zones.
R di l i l I id t C t l
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Radiological Incident Control
Tool drop before
leaving hot zone
Contamination check
Hot area marked off
with tape and stanchions
P ti t H dli
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Patient Handling
Determine type of exposure
Externally
irradiated
Externally
contaminated
Internally
contaminated
P ti t H dli
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Patient Handling
Perform gross decontamination:
If needed
If it will not interfere with critical care
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P ti t H dli
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Patient Handling
Enter zone and provide initial care
Put backboard near patient, cut away clothing to
reduce contamination, provide initial care
Important: contamination is not likely to be life-threatening, but delay of treatment could be
P ti t H dli
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Patient Handling
Prepare patient and transport
VIDEO
C f R di ti
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Causes of Radiation
Exposure/Contamination AccidentsAccidents
TransportationTransportation Lost/stolen medical or industrialLost/stolen medical or industrial
radioactive sourcesradioactive sources
Medical radiation therapyMedical radiation therapyNuclear reactorNuclear reactor Industrial irradiatorIndustrial irradiator
Terrorist EventTerrorist Event
Radiological dispersal device (dirtyRadiological dispersal device (dirtybomb or smoky bomb)bomb or smoky bomb)
Low yield nuclear weaponLow yield nuclear weapon
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R di i P i
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Time
Minimize time spent near radiationsources
Radiation Protection
Reducing Radiation Exposure
DistanceMaintain maximalpractical distance fromradiation source
ShieldingPlace radioactive sources ina lead container
Protecting Hospital Staff from
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Key Points
Contamination is easy to detect and most of it can beremoved
It is very unlikely that ED staff will receive large
radiation doses from treating contaminatedpatients
Protecting Hospital Staff fromContamination
Universal precautions Survey hands and clothing with
radiation meter Replace gloves or clothing
that is contaminated Keep the work area free of
contamination
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Facility Preparation
Activate hospital planActivate hospital plan Obtain radiation survey metersObtain radiation survey meters Call for additional support: Staff from Nuclear Medicine,Call for additional support: Staff from Nuclear Medicine,
Radiation Oncology, Radiation Safety (Health Physics)Radiation Oncology, Radiation Safety (Health Physics)
Plan for decontamination of uninjured personsPlan for decontamination of uninjured persons Establish triage areaEstablish triage area
Plan to control contaminationPlan to control contamination Instruct staff to use universal precautions and double gloveInstruct staff to use universal precautions and double glove
Establish multiple receptacles for contaminated wasteEstablish multiple receptacles for contaminated waste Protect floor with covering if time allowsProtect floor with covering if time allows
Treatment Area Layout
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Contaminated
Waste
Waste
Treatment Area Layout
Radiation
Survey
HOTLINE
STEP
OFF
PAD
CONTAMINATED
AREA
BUFFER
ZONE
CLEAN
AREA
Radiation
Survey
&
Charting
ED
Staff
Clean
Gloves,
Masks,
Gowns,
Booties
Separate
Entrance
Trauma Room
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Patient Management - Priorities
TriageTriage Medical triage is the highestMedical triage is the highest
prioritypriority Radiation exposure andRadiation exposure and
contamination are secondarycontamination are secondaryconsiderationsconsiderations Degree of decontaminationDegree of decontamination
dictated by number of anddictated by number of andcapacity to treat other injuredcapacity to treat other injured
patientspatients
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Patient Management - Triage
Triage based on:Triage based on: InjuriesInjuries Signs and symptoms -Signs and symptoms -
nausea, vomiting, fatigue,nausea, vomiting, fatigue,
diarrheadiarrhea History - Where were youHistory - Where were you
when event occurred?when event occurred? Contamination surveyContamination survey
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Psychological Casualties Terrorist acts involving toxic agents (especiallyTerrorist acts involving toxic agents (especially
radiation) are perceived as very threateningradiation) are perceived as very threatening Mass casualty incidents caused by nuclearMass casualty incidents caused by nuclear
terrorism will create large numbers of worriedterrorism will create large numbers of worriedpeople who may not be injured or contaminatedpeople who may not be injured or contaminated
Provide psychological support to patients and setProvide psychological support to patients and setup a center in the hospital for staffup a center in the hospital for staff Establish triage (monitoring and counseling)Establish triage (monitoring and counseling)
centers to prevent psychological casualties fromcenters to prevent psychological casualties fromoverwhelming health care facilitiesoverwhelming health care facilities
Patient Management
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Patient Management -
Decontamination Carefully remove and bag patients clothing
and personal belongings (typically removes95% of contamination)
Survey patient and, if practical, collect samples
Handle foreign objects with care until provennon-radioactive with survey meter Decontamination priorities:
Decontaminate wounds first, then intact skin
Start with highest levels of contamination Change outer gloves frequently to minimize
spread of contamination
Patient Management -
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Patient Management Decontamination (Cont.) Protect non-contaminated wounds with waterproofProtect non-contaminated wounds with waterproof
dressingsdressings Contaminated wounds:Contaminated wounds:
Irrigate and gently scrub with surgical spongeIrrigate and gently scrub with surgical sponge Avoid overly aggressive decontaminationAvoid overly aggressive decontamination
Change dressings frequentlyChange dressings frequently
Decontaminate intact skin and hair by washing with soapDecontaminate intact skin and hair by washing with soap& water& water
Remove stubborn contamination on hair byRemove stubborn contamination on hair bycutting with scissors or electric clipperscutting with scissors or electric clippers
Use survey meter to monitor progressUse survey meter to monitor progressof decontaminationof decontamination
Patient Management -
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Patient Management -
Decontamination (Cont.)
Cease decontamination of skin and woundsCease decontamination of skin and wounds When the area is less than twice background, orWhen the area is less than twice background, or
When there is no significant reduction between deconWhen there is no significant reduction between deconefforts, andefforts, and
Before intact skin becomes abraded.Before intact skin becomes abraded. Contaminated thermal burnsContaminated thermal burns
Gently rinse. Washing may increase severity of injury.Gently rinse. Washing may increase severity of injury.
Additional contamination will be removed whenAdditional contamination will be removed when
dressings are changed.dressings are changed. Do not delay surgery or other necessary medicalDo not delay surgery or other necessary medical
procedures or examsresidual contamination canprocedures or examsresidual contamination canbe controlled.be controlled.
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Key Points
Medical stabilization is the highest priorityMedical stabilization is the highest priority Train/drill to ensure competence and confidenceTrain/drill to ensure competence and confidence Pre-plan to ensure adequate supplies and surveyPre-plan to ensure adequate supplies and survey
instruments are availableinstruments are available
Universal precautions and decontaminatingUniversal precautions and decontaminatingpatients minimizes exposure and contaminationpatients minimizes exposure and contaminationriskrisk
Early symptoms and their intensity are anEarly symptoms and their intensity are an
indication of the severity of the radiation injuryindication of the severity of the radiation injury
The first 24 hours are the worst; then you willThe first 24 hours are the worst; then you willlikely have many additional resourceslikely have many additional resources
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Part 5:Measuring
Radiation andRadioactivity
Geiger Counters
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Geiger Counters Indicate gamma radiation dose rate
Some models also indicate beta dose rateGenerally rugged field instruments, but window can
be damaged, and then instrument is out of service
Can be maxed out and will under-respond
UltraRadiac Personal Radiation Meter OK up to 500
rem per hour
Friskers
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Friskers Friskers are a type of Geiger counter with a pancake (flat
round) probe, with a thin window for beta measurements.
Friskers are used to check contamination on personnel and
equipment
They are affected by background radiation sources
Survey meters
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Survey meters Geiger Counters good overall field useGeiger Counters good overall field use
Ion Chambers more accurate, generallyIon Chambers more accurate, generallyless ruggedless rugged
Scintillation counters very sensitive; idealScintillation counters very sensitive; ideal
for looking for sources or low levels offor looking for sources or low levels ofradiation; not good in high radiation fieldradiation; not good in high radiation field
Ion Chamber
Meters and Probes
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Meters and Probes Generally, there are two parts to a surveyGenerally, there are two parts to a survey
instrument the meter and the probeinstrument the meter and the probe Some instruments have internal probes, soSome instruments have internal probes, so
there is not external probe visiblethere is not external probe visible
Reading the meter
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Reading the meter
Note batterycheck and
multiplier scale
Some instruments
have multiple
scales for
different probes
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Self-reading Dosimeters and
Electronic Dosimeters
Self-reading
dosimeter used
for immediate
indication of dose
Electronic
dosimeter used as
an alarmingdosimeter and dose
rate meter
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Personnel DosimetryDevices such as TLD Thermoluminescent Dosimeters, are
used to provide a permanent record of radiation dose.
TLDs are sent to processor periodically for readout.
Laboratory Tests
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Laboratory Tests
Alpha isotopic analysis: a detailed and complicated analysis
where the chemicals are added to the sample to chemicallyseparate elements. The result is available in a period of
days to weeks.
Specific radionuclide analysis If not a gamma emitter,
certain radionuclides (e.g. Sr-90) must be chemicallyseparated, similar to the alpha isotopic method. The result
is available in days to weeks.
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Laboratory TestsLiquid Scintillation Counter a swipe of an area for
contamination is placed in a vial, and it is counted in a
liquid scintillation counter results available in a few
minutes to a few hours. Good for all energies of beta and
for alpha emitters.
Gamma Spectrometer, GeLi (pronounced Jelly), or Sodium
Iodide this provides a readout of the specific isotopes that
are gamma emitters (most) results available in a few
hours.
Gross Alpha and gross beta simple analysis, where a
swipe or air sample is placed into a counting chamber
results available in a few minutes.
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Canberra Ultra-Radiac
Personal Dosimeter Distributed To NYC Based EMSPersonal Dosimeter Distributed To NYC Based EMS
Agencies as Part of a Citywide Radiation DetectionAgencies as Part of a Citywide Radiation Detection
Program.Program.
Also Utilized by FDNY-Fire, OEM & Hospital ERs.Also Utilized by FDNY-Fire, OEM & Hospital ERs.
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From US Army to First Responders
Military AN/UDR-13...Military AN/UDR-13... MIL-STD 810 qualified personal radiationMIL-STD 810 qualified personal radiation
detector designed for nuclear battlefielddetector designed for nuclear battlefield
applicationsapplications
Designed for extreme physical conditionsDesigned for extreme physical conditions
...Evolves to Ultra-Radiac for First Responders to...Evolves to Ultra-Radiac for First Responders to
the current Ultra-Radiacthe current Ultra-Radiac
Remove prompt gamma/neutron detectionRemove prompt gamma/neutron detection
Add vibration alarmAdd vibration alarm
Increase alarm volume to 90dBAIncrease alarm volume to 90dBA Same operabilitySame operability
Same dynamic rangeSame dynamic range
Multiple colors and radiation unitsMultiple colors and radiation units
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CabberraUltra-Radiac
FeaturesFeatures Detects Gamma/Neutron RadiationDetects Gamma/Neutron Radiation
98% of radioactive materials emit Gamma/Neutron98% of radioactive materials emit Gamma/Neutron
RaysRays Backlit Display (large font)Backlit Display (large font) Audible Alarm (90 dBA at one foot)Audible Alarm (90 dBA at one foot) Vibrating Alarm (Optional)Vibrating Alarm (Optional) 2 LEDs under the display turn green on alarm of either2 LEDs under the display turn green on alarm of either
rate (on the left) or cumulative dose (on right)rate (on the left) or cumulative dose (on right) Rugged buttonsRugged buttons Not Susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)Not Susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
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Two Modes of Detection
RadiationRadiation DoseDose Measures the accumulatedMeasures the accumulated
amount of radiation that hasamount of radiation that has
been absorbed.been absorbed. It is the primary parameterIt is the primary parameter
used to determine the healthused to determine the health
risk of remaining in arisk of remaining in a
radioactive environment.radioactive environment.
Default reading on theDefault reading on theUltra-Radiac.Ultra-Radiac.
RateRate of Exposureof Exposure Measures the rate at whichMeasures the rate at which
individual is being exposedindividual is being exposed
to radiation.to radiation. Measures the rate at unit ofMeasures the rate at unit of
radiation per hour.radiation per hour.
Example 5R/hrExample 5R/hr
Primarily used to determinePrimarily used to determine
the strength of a radioactivethe strength of a radioactivesource.source.
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Dose Setting on Radiac
The Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustThe Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustthe display and units to accommodatethe display and units to accommodatedata (data (R, mR, R)R, mR, R)
Dose Visual Alarm LED located on rightDose Visual Alarm LED located on right
side, underneath the display.side, underneath the display. By pressing DOSE, can toggle display toBy pressing DOSE, can toggle display to
Cumulative Dose since reset (10-secCumulative Dose since reset (10-sectoggle)toggle)
Start cumulative dose period byStart cumulative dose period by
depressing DOSE and CLR/TESTdepressing DOSE and CLR/TESTsimultaneously for about 5 secondssimultaneously for about 5 seconds Cumulative dose will ONLY be clear via ManualCumulative dose will ONLY be clear via Manual
Reset, will NOT clear upon turning off device.Reset, will NOT clear upon turning off device.
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Rate Setting on Radiac
The Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustThe Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustthe display and units to accommodatethe display and units to accommodatedata (data (rr/hr, mR/hr, R/hr)/hr, mR/hr, R/hr)
Dose Visual Alarm LED located on leftDose Visual Alarm LED located on leftside, underneath the display.side, underneath the display. Works in unison with Source FinderWorks in unison with Source Finder
(Chirper) Mode to find and measure(Chirper) Mode to find and measurestrength of a source.strength of a source.
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Chirper Mode
Depress RATE until a 1 shows on display.Depress RATE until a 1 shows on display. Chirper will be enabledChirper will be enabled
Depress RATE again until a 0 shows on displayDepress RATE again until a 0 shows on display Chirper will be disabledChirper will be disabled
Chirper mode also referred to as source locatorChirper mode also referred to as source locatormode to search for and pinpoint radioactivemode to search for and pinpoint radioactive
source locationsource location
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Dual Level Alarms - Dose and Rate
Two alarms (Dose Rate and Dose) with two levelsTwo alarms (Dose Rate and Dose) with two levels
each (low and high) for flexibilityeach (low and high) for flexibility
RateRate
Low threshold - set at a level above background to serve as a firstLow threshold - set at a level above background to serve as a firstwarning of the presence of radiationwarning of the presence of radiation
High threshold - set at a level indicating danger (evacuate)High threshold - set at a level indicating danger (evacuate)
Dose (accumulated since last reset)Dose (accumulated since last reset)
Low threshold - set at a warning levelLow threshold - set at a warning level High threshold - set at an absolute limit (must evacuate)High threshold - set at an absolute limit (must evacuate)
Stay time display feature - shows time in minutes the user canStay time display feature - shows time in minutes the user can
remain at current dose rate until high dose threshold reachedremain at current dose rate until high dose threshold reached
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Ultra-Radiac Alarms
High Rate Alarm LightsRed, Flashes, and Alarmsat faster interval
Low Rate Alarm LightsGreen, Flashes, and Alarmsat slower interval
High Dose Alarm LightsRed, Flashes and Alarmsat faster interval
Low Dose Alarm LightsGreen, Flashes, and Alarmsat slower interval
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ALARMS There are four alarms available to be setThere are four alarms available to be set
Low Dose RateLow Dose Rate (Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)(Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)
High Dose RateHigh Dose Rate (Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)(Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)
Low DoseLow Dose (Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)(Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)
High DoseHigh Dose (Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)(Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)
In addition to the word ALARM plus either RATE or DOSE in theIn addition to the word ALARM plus either RATE or DOSE in the
display, there are Three Alarm Mechanisms available for each alarmdisplay, there are Three Alarm Mechanisms available for each alarm
setting:setting:
AudibleAudible (Aud in display window)(Aud in display window)
VisualVisual (Vis in display window)(Vis in display window) VibrateVibrate (Scrolling Bar - - - in display window)(Scrolling Bar - - - in display window)
NYREMS and FDNY are activating all three alarm mechanisms forNYREMS and FDNY are activating all three alarm mechanisms for
each of the four alarmseach of the four alarms
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NYC Regional EMS Council Settings
Low Dose RateLow Dose Rate:: 1 mR/hr1 mR/hr green light leftgreen light left Indicates the presence of radiation for awarenessIndicates the presence of radiation for awareness You should not encounter radiation routinelyYou should not encounter radiation routinely
High Dose RateHigh Dose Rate:: 50 R/hr50 R/hr red light leftred light left Will need to evacuate in under 15 minutes at thisWill need to evacuate in under 15 minutes at this
raterate Accumulating nearly 1 R every minute (0.83 R)Accumulating nearly 1 R every minute (0.83 R)
Dose Rate rarely stays steady and can changeDose Rate rarely stays steady and can changeoften / significantlyoften / significantly
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NYC Regional EMS Council Settings
Low Dose (Total):Low Dose (Total): 1 R1 R greengreen
light rightlight right
Check stay time frequently by pressingCheck stay time frequently by pressing
the |ALARM| buttonthe |ALARM| button
High Dose (Total):High Dose (Total): 12 R12 R redred
light rightlight right
EVACUATE!EVACUATE! Cannot AcknowledgeCannot Acknowledge
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Basic Use by the First Responder
4 Simple Steps 1.1. Turn on the Ultra-Radiac by pressing the |Turn on the Ultra-Radiac by pressing the |ON/OFFON/OFF| button| button
When the default RATE display is shown, properWhen the default RATE display is shown, proper
performance has been automatically checkedperformance has been automatically checked
2. Reset the total accumulated dose to zero2. Reset the total accumulated dose to zero
DepressDepress the |the |DOSEDOSE| button to display total DOSE| button to display total DOSE
Depress the |Depress the |DOSEDOSE| and || and |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST| buttons for about 5| buttons for about 5
secondsseconds The new DOSE display value will then show totalThe new DOSE display value will then show total
accumulated dose since time of last resetaccumulated dose since time of last reset
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4 Simple Steps, continued 33.. If BAT is blinking on display, the 4 AAA batteries have less than 10If BAT is blinking on display, the 4 AAA batteries have less than 10
hours of life and should be replaced with fresh batteries at the earliesthours of life and should be replaced with fresh batteries at the earliestopportunityopportunity
To check remaining battery life (possible only when BAT isTo check remaining battery life (possible only when BAT is
blinking and RATE is displayed): press the |blinking and RATE is displayed): press the |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST| button the| button the
value displayed represents battery lifetime in minutes (< 600)value displayed represents battery lifetime in minutes (< 600)
44.. If device alarmsIf device alarms, move away and upwind from the primary radiation, move away and upwind from the primary radiation
source, and evaluate best response options (considering the dose hazard)source, and evaluate best response options (considering the dose hazard)
NOTE: Alarm limits for dose RATE and total DOSE should beNOTE: Alarm limits for dose RATE and total DOSE should be
properly pre-set by a supervisorproperly pre-set by a supervisor
To acknowledge/silence alarm: press |To acknowledge/silence alarm: press |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST||
Press the | ALARM | button to display the stay time remaining inPress the | ALARM | button to display the stay time remaining in
minutes (999 is approximately 16.5 hours). Check this value frequentlyminutes (999 is approximately 16.5 hours). Check this value frequently
when responding to radiation incident as it will change (sometimeswhen responding to radiation incident as it will change (sometimes
rapidly) with dose rate.rapidly) with dose rate.
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Questions?