Radioactive sources - are your employees safe?

May 2001 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

The hidden hazard of ionising radiation emitted by radioactive sources was highlighted in a 20 min documentary recently broadcast on a South African* television paystation programme. Radioactive sources utilised by industry, for various diagnostic or measure and control applications, have different activities or strengths with subsequent variations in potential to cause harm to living beings.

At present, protective measures required by law, other than those specified for non-destructive testing, entail the wearing of passive radiation detection badges referred to as TLDs or film badges. This measuring technology is silent and gives no warning of a prevailing hazardous situation.

Prevention of excessive exposure to ionising radiation is achieved by personnel concerned wearing an active electronic personal dosimeter (EPD) such as the electronic personal dosemeter developed and manufactured by Siemens Environmental System in the UK. This dosimeter incorporates adjustable alarm levels for both dose and dose rate. The audible alarm boasts a sound level in excess of 95 dB and warns the wearer of hazardous radiation levels before the individual receives any significant dose. Siemens Environmental System is represented in South Africa by OEN Enterprises.

OEN Enterprises

(011) 792 2859

[email protected]

www.oenenterprises.co.za

* Readers note that the March issue incorrectly stated 'a foreign TV paystation'. SA I&C apologises for any confusion.

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