Measurement of surface contamination
Fixed or loose contamination?
Fixed contamination is unlikely to cause an internal hazard unless the area undergoes abrasion resulting in re-suspension of the activity.
Loose contamination presents an internal hazard. To minimize the spread of contamination and reduce the hazard to personnel, any loose contamination should be removed from the area. Any remaining contamination may be considered as fixed.
Methods of contamination monitoring:
- direct probe
- indirect dry/damp wipes
- using all methods
Remember to perform a pre/post-survey instrument check.
If there is the slightest suspicion about the instrument's condition, it should not be used.
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Good practice online modules
- Practical radiation monitoring
- Practical radiation monitoring units
- Radiation monitoring strategy
- Choice of radiation instrument
- Radiation monitoring techniques
- Estimating surface radioactivity
- Radiation instrument calibration
- Uncertainties in radiation measurement
- Troubleshooting in radiation monitoring