Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
(OP)
Is anyone out there who has operated the "nuke", aware of the potential health hazards due to radiation ?
are there any informed or educated resources (on the web) available that higlight the concern and suggest the preventive measures?
Thanks
are there any informed or educated resources (on the web) available that higlight the concern and suggest the preventive measures?
Thanks





RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
That's not to say that the radioactive isotopes contained within the shielding of the gauge are not dangerous. They are. Cesium and Americium are commonly used isotopes, but they are usually also in a "strength" or activity range in picocuries, as compared to the radioactive isotopes used for welding NDT which can be 100 curies.
Bottom line is that anyone using a nuclear density gauge should be trained in basic radiation safety, transportation of radioactive isotopes, and monitoring schemes for radiation exposure. Each person should also be monitored from an outside source with reporting on at least a monthly basis so that radiation exposure levels can be checked and action taken if necessary.
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
Good operating procedure should be followed. You drive the rod to form the hole, then sit your machine over the hole, then extend the rod into the hole (yes, it takes a bit of practice). I have seen many who make the rod hole, then extend the probe a bit to get it into the hole, then sit the machine down. Not the way to do it!
When I was in India, they were all so scared of it that some even wore a lead vest! They were very careful not to be within 1 m of the machine during operation - except to hit the button and pull up the probe . . . Once, there were about 8 guys standing around and I went up to the machine (during its count) - looked at it rather investigatively, then took a quick two steps back - talk about scattering like a bunch of rabbits!
They are safe but you do need to follow proper safety protocols.
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
For someone who is seeking to enter the Canadian job market in geotech(after a long gap due to recession), I really don`t know what the current safet protocols are for such tests.
Maybe I will follow the example of your Indian friends and keep clear of the instrument !!:):)
As you both said, one would surely want to get the safety issue out of the way before getting into the correct procedure and data interpretation !!
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
Here's a link to an online course...
Online Nuke Gage Course
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
I just completed this training provide by Nuclear Gage provided by Troxler(see link below). A user is required to train every three years in the US as well as other reporting an paper work requirements to utilize nuclear gages. Either a state agency or the NRC is the regulatory agency depending on your state. If used properly they do not pose much of a risk. Three keys to protection distance, time, and shielding.
http:/
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
At 83 now, and in good health, I'd not get too excited about these devices.
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
The source strength if I remember correctly is on the order of 10 milliCuries. Compare that to the source strength we used in industrial radiography of 100 Curies of Iridium 192...and I still don't glow in the dark.
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test
RE: Radiation health hazards with field nuclear densiometer test