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Safe Operation of Nuclear Density Gauge

This document provides guidelines for the safe operation of nuclear density gauges. It discusses that ionizing radiation can be harmful if exposed over long periods of time or in large doses, but risks can be minimized through proper handling. It describes how nuclear density gauges work by transmitting radiation from a small radioactive source through soil or materials to measure compaction. Key safety practices include using shielding, minimizing exposure time and distance from sources, and wearing film badges to monitor radiation absorption. Guidelines are given for storage, operation, maintenance and following regulatory requirements.

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Subramanian Balakrishnan
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242 views15 pages

Safe Operation of Nuclear Density Gauge

This document provides guidelines for the safe operation of nuclear density gauges. It discusses that ionizing radiation can be harmful if exposed over long periods of time or in large doses, but risks can be minimized through proper handling. It describes how nuclear density gauges work by transmitting radiation from a small radioactive source through soil or materials to measure compaction. Key safety practices include using shielding, minimizing exposure time and distance from sources, and wearing film badges to monitor radiation absorption. Guidelines are given for storage, operation, maintenance and following regulatory requirements.

Uploaded by

Subramanian Balakrishnan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Safe Operation of Nuclear Density Gauge

‘Radiation’
Radiation is energy that comes from a
source and travels through some medium
or through space.

Light, heat and sound are types of


radiation.

The term ionizing radiation can produce


charged particles (ions).
Impacts & Control of Radiation
•All types of ionizing radiation can be
harmful.
•Long-term exposure to a small source
of constant radiation, or short-term
exposure to a large amount of
radiation, can cause damage to the
cellular structure of body tissue or
organs.
•Overexposure may cause deformity,
cancer etc.
• However, these risks can be minimized
and controlled by allowing radioactive
sources to be used safely for many
productive purposes.
The Guage
Basic Operation of the Guage
• Portable gauges are used to measure moisture or
compaction in soil, and the density of asphalt in paving
mixes.
• To measure soil density, for example, the source rod is
placed in a tube and inserted beneath the surface
through a punched access hole.
• Radiation is then transmitted from the source to a
detector on the base of a gauge.
• The compaction of the soil is determined by the
radiation level at the detector.
Amount of Radiation absorbed
• Each nuclear gauge uses one or two small radioactive
sources.
• The source’s strength is measured in terms of how
much radiation it emits. Although these sources are
physically quite small, they are often extremely
powerful and highly radioactive.
• However, it is the amount of radiation you absorb, not
the strength of the source, that can pose a danger to
your health.
• The amount of radiation absorbed is controlled by
Planning the work, source shielding and by proper
handling techniques.
Principles of radiation protection
3 factors for protecting from
Radiation Protection Basics the effects of radiation:
Shielding
• Time – Plan the work and
Time
reduce exposure time
• Distance – Dose Rate
decreases with more
distance
Distance • Shielding – Protective
material to shield reduce
radiation effects.
QCS-2010 Requirement

Refer QCS-2010 Section-1 Part-9 Clause 9.3.2

In-situ Testing and Nuclear Density Measuring


Devices
Sample Film badges
• Personnel dosimetry film badges
are commonly used to measure
and record radiation exposure due
to gamma rays, X-rays and beta
particles.
• The detector is, as the name
implies, a piece of radiation
sensitive film.
• Accumulated dose can be
measured after a month of
exposure and depends upon the
quantum of radiation expected.
Guidelines Before you start
• Never use or manipulate a gauge without
proper training and authorization
• Post a copy of the licence in a common area
where all workers can see it. Keep a copy of
the licence with the gauge.
• Ensure that radiation warning signs and 24-
hour emergency contact details are
prominently posted in each area of use or
storage.
Guidelines Before you start
• Advise other workers that a gauge is being
used.
• Maintenance and service Only by the
manufacturer of the gauge.
• Always ensure shutter is closed until
maintenance is completed.
• Avoid any physical contact with, or direct
exposure, to the source when performing any
operation or maintenance.
Guidelines for Storage
• Before storing the gauge, make sure the
source is in the “Safe” position
• Never modify or change the source holder,
shielding or safety interlocks
• Lock the area where the gauge is being stored
• Post a radiation warning sign and 24-hour
emergency contact details outside the storage
area.
Guidelines during Operation
• Do not extend the source rod
to guide it into the hole!
This exposes you and others
to an unnecessary exposure
of radiation.
• Before taking a test push the
gauge towards the side of the
hole with the detector tubes.
This ensures that there is no
air gap between the source
rod and the side of the hole
Guidelines during Operation
• Always practice by
returning the source to
its safe position before
recording your results.
• Always practice by
maintaining your
distance from the
source during the test.
Radioactivity Symbols

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