Select Radiation Or Contaminant Measurement Instruments Training

Objectives:
• Understand basic radiation principles and types of contaminants
• Identify regulatory frameworks and SAQA requirements
• Recognise health and safety implications of radiation exposure
• Distinguish between ionising and non-ionising radiation

Topics:
• Overview of radiation: alpha, beta, gamma, neutron
• Types of contaminants: chemical, biological, radioactive
• South African legislation: NNR, OHS Act, SANS codes
• Basic health physics and ALARA principle
• Introduction to measurement units: becquerel, sievert, gray

Objectives:
• Explain operating principles of common detectors
• Differentiate between gas-filled, scintillation, and semiconductor detectors
• Understand key performance parameters: sensitivity, range, accuracy
• Interpret instrument specifications and calibration requirements

Topics:
• Gas-filled detectors: ionisation chambers, proportional counters, Geiger-Müller tubes
• Scintillation detectors: organic, inorganic, and photomultiplier tubes
• Semiconductor detectors: silicon, germanium
• Energy resolution, efficiency, and dead time
• Calibration standards and traceability

Objectives:
• Apply selection criteria based on measurement context
• Evaluate instrument suitability for different radiation types
• Consider environmental factors and operational constraints
• Select appropriate instruments for specific contaminant scenarios

Topics:
• Factors: radiation type, energy, intensity, field conditions
• Instrument selection for alpha, beta, gamma, neutron fields
• Contaminant measurement: surface, air, liquid, soil
• Environmental conditions: temperature, humidity, pressure
• Cost, durability, and user expertise considerations

Objectives:
• Operate common survey meters safely and correctly
• Perform pre-use checks and functional tests
• Interpret readings and identify potential anomalies
• Apply survey techniques for area and contamination monitoring

Topics:
• Types: dose rate meters, contamination monitors, neutron survey meters
• Practical operation: Geiger-Müller, ion chamber, scintillation probes
• Pre-use inspection, battery check, source check
• Survey techniques: scanning, grid, and background measurement
• Recording and reporting survey data

Objectives:
• Explain principles of personal dosimetry
• Select appropriate dosimeters for different exposure scenarios
• Set up area monitoring systems and interpret results
• Understand legal dose limits and reporting requirements

Topics:
• Passive dosimeters: film badges, TLD, OSL
• Active dosimeters: electronic personal dosimeters, alarming
• Area monitoring: fixed monitors, alarm thresholds
• Dose limits: occupational, public, emergency
• Record keeping and dose tracking systems

Objectives:
• Identify instruments for airborne and liquid contaminants
• Operate air samplers and continuous air monitors
• Understand spectroscopy for nuclide identification
• Apply techniques for surface contamination assessment

Topics:
• Air sampling: filters, impactors, continuous air monitors
• Liquid monitoring: flow-through detectors, scintillation counting
• Gamma spectroscopy: HPGe, NaI(Tl) detectors
• Alpha spectroscopy and radon measurement
• Surface contamination: smear tests, direct measurement

Objectives:
• Perform routine calibration checks and adjustments
• Implement quality assurance procedures for instruments
• Interpret calibration certificates and uncertainty budgets
• Troubleshoot common instrument malfunctions

Topics:
• Calibration sources: reference standards, traceability
• Calibration procedures: geometry, energy, efficiency
• Quality control: background checks, response tests
• Uncertainty analysis and error propagation
• Maintenance: cleaning, battery care, storage

Objectives:
• Apply instrument selection to realistic scenarios
• Conduct simulated surveys and contamination assessments
• Interpret data and make informed decisions
• Demonstrate safe work practices and emergency procedures

Topics:
• Scenario-based exercises: nuclear facility, medical, industrial
• Simulated contamination event: survey, mapping, decontamination verification
• Data interpretation: count rates, dose rates, nuclide identification
• Emergency response: high radiation, contamination spread
• Personal protective equipment and contamination control

Objectives:
• Synthesise knowledge across all instrument types
• Complete practical and theoretical assessments
• Demonstrate competency in instrument selection and use
• Understand ongoing professional development requirements

Topics:
• Review of key concepts and instrument selection matrix
• Practical assessment: instrument operation, survey, calibration
• Written assessment: theory, regulations, scenarios
• Feedback and improvement areas
• Certification requirements and CPD opportunities