Radiation Safety Training for First Responders

Regional EMS Council Regional EMS Council of New York Cityof New York City

Presented by:Presented by:Greater New York ChapterGreater New York Chapter

Health Physics SocietyHealth Physics Society

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ObjectivesRadiation and Radioactivity

Biological Effects, Risks, and Limits

Radiation Sources

Protection from Radiation and Radioactivity

Measurements

Use of Instruments

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Part 1:Radiation and Radioactivity

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What Is Radiation?The spontaneous emission of “fragments” or “bundles” ofenergy from unstable nuclei creating more stable nuclei

Radioactive Atom Energy Release

Emits radiation in theform of particles and waves

Becomes more stable

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Helium Atom

++

–– Proton (p)

Neutron (n)

Electron (e)

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Ionizing RadiationRadiation with enough Radiation with enough energy to cause energy to cause ionizations.ionizations.

Change a neutral atom Change a neutral atom or molecule to one with or molecule to one with positive or negative positive or negative charge.charge.

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Types of Ionizing RadiationAlpha Alpha –– positively charged positively charged particles that can be stopped by particles that can be stopped by a sheet of paper.a sheet of paper.Beta Beta –– electrons that can be electrons that can be stopped by plastic.stopped by plastic.Gamma/X Gamma/X –– energetic energetic penetrating rays that can be penetrating rays that can be reduced by lead.reduced by lead.Neutron Neutron –– only during reactor only during reactor or accelerator operation, or rare or accelerator operation, or rare sources sources –– reduced by water and reduced by water and other light materials.other light materials.

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Distance Helps !

When you double the distance the dose is When you double the distance the dose is decreased by 4 times (or to 1/4)decreased by 4 times (or to 1/4)Good for Good for ““Point SourcesPoint Sources””

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Radiation Absorbed Dose (rad)

Definition:Definition:tthe energy deposited by ionizing radiation he energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a unit mass of materialin a unit mass of material

Units:Units:rad = 100 ergs/gram,rad = 100 ergs/gram,

gray (gray (GyGy) = 100 rad) = 100 rad

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Dose Equivalent (Rem)Definition:Definition:

A common scale for equating relative A common scale for equating relative hazard of various types of ionizing hazard of various types of ionizing radiation in terms of equivalent riskradiation in terms of equivalent risk

Units:Units:Rem = Q x radRem = Q x radSievert (Sv) = 100 remSievert (Sv) = 100 rem

QQAlphaAlpha 2020BetaBeta 11Gamma, XGamma, X--rayrayNeutrons Neutrons –– up to up to

111010

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Radioactive

A material that contains many unstable nuclei A material that contains many unstable nuclei which emit radiation.which emit radiation.

N

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Radioactive Contamination

Radioactive material that is in a place where Radioactive material that is in a place where it is not wanted .it is not wanted .

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Radioactive ContaminationCan be in the form of:Can be in the form of:

Solid (powder, dust, etc.)Solid (powder, dust, etc.)LiquidLiquidGasGas

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Units of RadioactivityCurie (Ci) = 37 billion Curie (Ci) = 37 billion disdis/sec. . . 37,000,000,000/sec. . . 37,000,000,000

millicurie (mCi) = 1 / 1000 Ci . . 37,000,000millicurie (mCi) = 1 / 1000 Ci . . 37,000,000microcurie (uCi) = 1 / 1,000,000 Ci . . 37,000microcurie (uCi) = 1 / 1,000,000 Ci . . 37,0001 disintegration/sec = 1 1 disintegration/sec = 1 BequerelBequerel ((BqBq))1 1 BqBq = 1 = 1 disdis/sec = 60 /sec = 60 disdis/min (dpm)/min (dpm)

Radioisotopes often come in units of Radioisotopes often come in units of MBqMBq1 1 MBqMBq = 1,000,000 = 1,000,000 BqBq = 27 microcurie (uCi)= 27 microcurie (uCi)1 millicurie = 37 1 millicurie = 37 MBqMBq

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Half - Life

0

50

100

1 2 3 4 5 6

Number of Half-Lives

%

of

Rad

ioac

tivity Initial

Activity

The time required for the radioactivity to decrease to one-half of its initial value

Decrease in Radioactivitywith Time

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Radioactivity – Hazardous?

3 Things you should know to find out what 3 Things you should know to find out what kind of hazards are presented:kind of hazards are presented:

What type of radiation is emitted?What type of radiation is emitted?Alpha, beta, or gammaAlpha, beta, or gamma

HalfHalf--Life Life –– long or short?long or short?Solid or Dispersible?Solid or Dispersible?

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Part 2:Effects of Radiation

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Radiation: Is It Safe???Is Fire Safe?

Is Water Safe?

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External Vs. Internal Exposure

External External Outside of bodyOutside of bodyAdd external and Add external and

internal to give total internal to give total dosedose

InternalInternalMaterials in bodyMaterials in body

Inhalation or ingestionInhalation or ingestionThrough breaks in skinThrough breaks in skin

Long term in bodyLong term in bodyMaterial is removed from Material is removed from body by natural processesbody by natural processes

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Pathways for Radioactive Material Entry into the Body

Inhalation

Ingestion

Skin Absorption

Cuts, wounds,

injections

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Acute vs Chronic DoseAcuteAcute

Large dose in short Large dose in short time (300 rem / hr)time (300 rem / hr)

May cause early May cause early effectseffects

Effects known from:Effects known from:Bomb victimsBomb victimsRadiographyRadiographyAccidentsAccidents

ChronicChronicSmall doses over timeSmall doses over timeMay cause delayed effectsMay cause delayed effectsPossible for workers (but Possible for workers (but not observed)not observed)

Analogy with SunAnalogy with SunAcute exposure gives sun Acute exposure gives sun burn, peeling, new skinburn, peeling, new skinChronic leads to repair Chronic leads to repair (tan)(tan)Both may lead to cancerBoth may lead to cancer

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Chronic Health Effects from Radiation

Radiation is a weak carcinogen at low dosesRadiation is a weak carcinogen at low dosesNo unique effectsNo unique effectsNatural incidence of cancer ~ Natural incidence of cancer ~ 40%; 40%; mortality ~ 25%mortality ~ 25%Risk of fatal cancer is estimated as ~ 4% per Risk of fatal cancer is estimated as ~ 4% per 100 rem 100 rem A dose of 5 rem increases the risk of fatal A dose of 5 rem increases the risk of fatal cancer by ~ 0.2%cancer by ~ 0.2%A dose of 25 rem increases the risk of fatal A dose of 25 rem increases the risk of fatal cancer by ~ 1%cancer by ~ 1%

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Occupational Dose Limits

Whole body dose Whole body dose -- 5 rem / yr5 rem / yrOrgan dose Organ dose -- 50 rem / yr50 rem / yr

Lens of the eye Lens of the eye -- 15 rem / yr15 rem / yr

Extremities Extremities -- 50 rem / yr50 rem / yr

Skin (shallow dose) Skin (shallow dose) -- 50 rem / yr50 rem / yr

1 rem = 1000 millirem1 rem = 1000 millirem

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Comparison With Other RisksRisks Expected Life Lost

Smoking (1 pack a day) 6 yrOverweight (15%) 2 yrAlcohol 1 yrAccidents 1 yr

Motor vehicle 207 daysHome 74 daysDrowning 24 days

Natural hazards (floods, etc) 7 daysMedical radiation 6 daysOccupational exposure

300 mrem/yr (age 18 to 65) 15 daysOne time exposure of 10 rem 15 days

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Assumptions for SafetyRisks uncertain, thereforeRisks uncertain, therefore

Assumes that all doses have some effectAssumes that all doses have some effectNo evidence of effect at low dosesNo evidence of effect at low doses

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)

Margin of safetyMargin of safetyDo better than Do better than the limitsthe limits

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Risks to Embryo / FetusAcute dose of 20 Rem and higher may affect Acute dose of 20 Rem and higher may affect the fetus.the fetus.

First responders are expected to receive First responders are expected to receive much lower exposures.much lower exposures.

Stay within occupational limits for declared Stay within occupational limits for declared pregnant radiation workers pregnant radiation workers

0.5 Rem per period of gestation.0.5 Rem per period of gestation.

0.05 Rem per month.0.05 Rem per month.

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EPA Emergency Dose GuidelinesDose LimitDose Limit ActivityActivity ConditionsConditions

5 rem5 rem AllAll10 rem10 rem Protection of Protection of

major propertymajor propertyWhere lower dose Where lower dose limit not practicallimit not practical

25 rem25 rem Lifesaving or Lifesaving or protect populationprotect population

Where lower dose Where lower dose limit not practicallimit not practical

> 25 rem> 25 rem Lifesaving or Lifesaving or protect populationprotect population

Voluntary basis, Voluntary basis, person is fully person is fully aware of risksaware of risks

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•• Estimating the severity of radiation injury is Estimating the severity of radiation injury is difficult.difficult.

•• Treat symptomatically. Prevention and Treat symptomatically. Prevention and management of infection is the primary management of infection is the primary objective.objective.

•• Seek the guidance of experts.Seek the guidance of experts.–– Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/ Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/

Training Site (REAC/TS)Training Site (REAC/TS)–– Medical Radiobiology Advisory Team Medical Radiobiology Advisory Team

(MRAT)(MRAT)

Treatment of Large External Exposures

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Part 3:Radiation Sources

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Typical Radiation Exposures~ 363 mrem/yr

Radon-200Cosmic-27Earth-28Internal-39Med Xray-39Nuc Med-14Cons Prod-10Occupational-0.2

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Comparing Levels of Radiation

US Avg Per YearUS Avg Per YearChest XChest X--rayrayRadiation WorkerRadiation WorkerGI SeriesGI SeriesCancer TherapyCancer TherapyFood IrradiationFood IrradiationSterilization (medical Sterilization (medical equipment, etc.)equipment, etc.)

363 mrem/year363 mrem/year20 mrem20 mrem100100--500 mrem/year500 mrem/year5,000 mrem (5 rem)5,000 mrem (5 rem)> 1,000 > 1,000 remrem (local)(local)>100,000 >100,000 remrem to foodto food>1,000,000 >1,000,000 remrem to eqptto eqpt

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Physical Radionuclide Half-Life Activity UseCesium-137 30 yrs 1.5x106 Ci Food IrradiatorCobalt-60 5 yrs 15,000 Ci Cancer TherapyPlutonium-239 24,000 yrs 600 Ci Nuclear WeaponIridium-192 74 days 100 Ci Industrial RadiographyHydrogen-3 12 yrs 12 Ci Exit SignsStrontium-90 29 yrs 0.1 Ci Eye Therapy DeviceIodine-131 8 days 0.015 Ci Nuclear Medicine

and TherapyTechnetium-99m 6 hrs 0.025 Ci Diagnostic ImagingAmericium-241 432 yrs 0.000005 Ci Smoke Detectors Radon-222 4 days 1 pCi/l Environmental Level

Examples of Radioactive Materials

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Radiopharmaceuticals

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Consumer Products

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Soil Density Gauge

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Radiography Source

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Radioactive Waste

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Radioactive Material Transportation

Labels on Packages

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Radioactive Material TransportationVehicle Placards and UNID Numbers

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Part 4:Protection from Radiation and Radioactivity

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Radiological Incident Control

Identify the SubstanceIdentify the SubstanceConsider all potential hazardsConsider all potential hazardsEstablish Contamination Control ZonesEstablish Contamination Control ZonesProtect Personnel from Radiation ExposureProtect Personnel from Radiation Exposure

Follow EPA Protective Action Guides for Follow EPA Protective Action Guides for radiation exposureradiation exposure

Time, Distance, ShieldingTime, Distance, ShieldingPersonal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment

Protect Equipment from contaminationProtect Equipment from contamination

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Radiological Incident Control

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Radiological Incident Control

Protect equipment from contamination and mark off hot, warm, and cold

zones.

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Radiological Incident Control

Tool drop before leaving hot zone

Contamination check

Hot area marked off with tape and stanchions

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Patient HandlingDetermine type of exposure

Externally irradiated

Externally contaminated

Internally contaminated

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Patient HandlingPerform gross decontamination:

If needed

If it will not interfere with critical care

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Patient HandlingPreparing to enter contaminated area

Double blanket, then backboard, then medical equipment, then suit up for entry

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Patient HandlingEnter zone and provide initial care

Put backboard near patient, cut away clothing to reduce contamination, provide initial care

Important: contamination is not likely to be life-threatening, but delay of treatment could be

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Patient HandlingPrepare patient and transport

VIDEO

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Causes of Radiation Exposure/Contamination

AccidentsAccidentsTransportationTransportationLost/stolen medical or industrial Lost/stolen medical or industrial radioactive sourcesradioactive sourcesMedical radiation therapyMedical radiation therapyNuclear reactorNuclear reactorIndustrial irradiatorIndustrial irradiator

Terrorist EventTerrorist EventRadiological dispersal device (dirty Radiological dispersal device (dirty bomb or smoky bomb)bomb or smoky bomb)Low yield nuclear weaponLow yield nuclear weapon

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Scope of Event

Event Number of Deaths Most Deaths Due to

RadiationAccident

None/Few Radiation

RadioactiveDispersalDevice

Few/Moderate(Depends on

size of explosion &proximity of persons)

Blast Trauma

Low YieldNuclear Weapon

Large(e.g. tens of thousands inan urban area even from

0.1 kT weapon) Radiation Exposure

Blast TraumaThermal Burns

Fallout(Depends on Distance)

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Psychological CasualtiesTerrorist acts involving toxic agents (especially Terrorist acts involving toxic agents (especially radiation) are perceived as very threateningradiation) are perceived as very threateningMass casualty incidents caused by nuclear Mass casualty incidents caused by nuclear terrorism will create large numbers of worried terrorism will create large numbers of worried people who may not be injured or contaminated people who may not be injured or contaminated Provide psychological support to patients and set Provide psychological support to patients and set up a center in the hospital for staffup a center in the hospital for staffEstablish triage (monitoring and counseling) Establish triage (monitoring and counseling) centers to prevent psychological casualties from centers to prevent psychological casualties from overwhelming health care facilitiesoverwhelming health care facilities

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Patient Management -DecontaminationCarefully remove and bag patientCarefully remove and bag patient’’s clothing and s clothing and personal belongings (typically removes 95% of personal belongings (typically removes 95% of contamination)contamination)Decontamination priorities: Decontamination priorities:

Decontaminate wounds first, then intact skin Decontaminate wounds first, then intact skin Start with highest levels of contaminationStart with highest levels of contamination

Change outer gloves frequently to minimize Change outer gloves frequently to minimize spread of contaminationspread of contaminationDo not delay surgery or other necessary medical Do not delay surgery or other necessary medical procedures or examsprocedures or exams……residual contamination residual contamination can be controlled.can be controlled.

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Key PointsMedical stabilization is the highest priorityMedical stabilization is the highest priorityTrain/drill to ensure competence and confidence Train/drill to ensure competence and confidence PrePre--plan to ensure adequate supplies and survey plan to ensure adequate supplies and survey instruments are available instruments are available Universal precautions and decontaminating Universal precautions and decontaminating patients minimizes exposure and contamination patients minimizes exposure and contamination riskrisk

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Part 5:Measuring

Radiation and Radioactivity

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Geiger Counters• Indicate gamma radiation dose rate

•Some models also indicate beta dose rate

•Generally rugged field instruments, but window can be damaged, and then instrument is out of service

•Can be “maxed out” and will under-respond

•UltraRadiac Personal Radiation Meter OK up to 500 rem per hour

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Friskers• Friskers are a type of Geiger counter with a pancake (flat round) probe, with a thin window for beta measurements.

• Friskers are used to check contamination on personnel and equipment

•They are affected by background radiation sources

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Survey metersGeiger Counters Geiger Counters –– good overall field usegood overall field useIon Chambers Ion Chambers –– more accurate, generally more accurate, generally less ruggedless ruggedScintillation counters Scintillation counters –– very sensitive; ideal very sensitive; ideal for looking for sources or low levels of for looking for sources or low levels of radiation; not good in high radiation fieldradiation; not good in high radiation field

Ion Chamber

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Meters and ProbesGenerally, there are two parts to a survey Generally, there are two parts to a survey instrument instrument –– the meter and the probethe meter and the probeSome instruments have internal probes, so Some instruments have internal probes, so there is not external probe visiblethere is not external probe visible

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Reading the meter

Note battery check and

multiplier scale

Some instruments have multiple

scales for different probes

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Self-reading Dosimeters and Electronic Dosimeters

Self-reading dosimeter – used

for immediate indication of dose

Electronic dosimeter – used as

an alarming dosimeter and dose

rate meter

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Personnel DosimetryDevices such as TLD – Thermoluminescent Dosimeters, are used to provide a permanent record of radiation dose.

TLDs are sent to processor periodically for readout.

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Laboratory TestsAlpha isotopic analysis: a detailed and complicated analysis where the chemicals are added to the sample to chemically separate elements. The result is available in a period of days to weeks.

Specific radionuclide analysis – If not a gamma emitter, certain radionuclides (e.g. Sr-90) must be chemically separated, similar to the alpha isotopic method. The result is available in days to weeks.

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Laboratory TestsLiquid Scintillation Counter – a swipe of an area for contamination is placed in a vial, and it is counted in a liquid scintillation counter – results available in a few minutes to a few hours. Good for all energies of beta and for alpha emitters.

Gamma Spectrometer, GeLi (pronounced Jelly), or Sodium Iodide – this provides a readout of the specific isotopes that are gamma emitters (most) – results available in a few hours.

Gross Alpha and gross beta – simple analysis, where a swipe or air sample is placed into a counting chamber –results available in a few minutes.

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Canberra Ultra-Radiac

Personal Dosimeter Distributed To NYC Based EMS Personal Dosimeter Distributed To NYC Based EMS Agencies as Part of a Citywide Radiation Detection Agencies as Part of a Citywide Radiation Detection Program. Program.

Also Utilized by FDNYAlso Utilized by FDNY--Fire, OEM & Hospital ERFire, OEM & Hospital ER’’s.s.

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From US Army to First RespondersMilitary AN/UDRMilitary AN/UDR--13...13...

MILMIL--STD 810 qualified personal radiation STD 810 qualified personal radiation detector designed for nuclear battlefield detector designed for nuclear battlefield applicationsapplicationsDesigned for extreme physical conditionsDesigned for extreme physical conditions

...Evolves to Ultra...Evolves to Ultra--Radiac for First Responders to Radiac for First Responders to the current Ultrathe current Ultra--RadiacRadiac

Remove prompt gamma/neutron detection Remove prompt gamma/neutron detection Add vibration alarmAdd vibration alarmIncrease alarm volume to 90dBAIncrease alarm volume to 90dBASame operabilitySame operabilitySame dynamic rangeSame dynamic rangeMultiple colors and radiation unitsMultiple colors and radiation units

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CanberraUltra-RadiacFeaturesFeatures

Detects Gamma/Neutron RadiationDetects Gamma/Neutron Radiation98% of radioactive materials emit Gamma/Neutron 98% of radioactive materials emit Gamma/Neutron RaysRays

Backlit Display (large font)Backlit Display (large font)Audible Alarm (90 Audible Alarm (90 dBAdBA at one foot)at one foot)Vibrating Alarm (Optional)Vibrating Alarm (Optional)2 2 LEDsLEDs under the display turn green on alarm of either under the display turn green on alarm of either rate (on the left) or cumulative dose (on right)rate (on the left) or cumulative dose (on right)Rugged buttonsRugged buttonsNot Susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)Not Susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

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Canberra Ultra-Radiac

Features Cont. Features Cont. Operates on 4 AAA Batteries (150 hours life normally).Operates on 4 AAA Batteries (150 hours life normally).

Battery compartment located on lower left side of device. Battery compartment located on lower left side of device. 6 easy buttons6 easy buttonsAluminum Housing for ruggedness. Aluminum Housing for ruggedness. 4 Alarm Settings 4 Alarm Settings

Low Dose AlertLow Dose AlertHigh Dose AlarmHigh Dose AlarmLow Rate AlertLow Rate AlertHigh Rate AlarmHigh Rate Alarm

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Two Modes of DetectionRadiation Radiation Dose Dose

Measures the Measures the accumulated amount of accumulated amount of radiation that has been radiation that has been absorbed. absorbed. It is the primary It is the primary parameter used to parameter used to determine the health determine the health risk of remaining in a risk of remaining in a radioactive radioactive environment. environment. Default reading on the Default reading on the UltraUltra--RadiacRadiac. .

RateRate of Exposureof ExposureMeasures the rate at Measures the rate at which individual is which individual is being exposed to being exposed to radiation. radiation. Measures the rate at Measures the rate at unit of radiation per unit of radiation per hour. hour.

Example 5R/hrExample 5R/hrPrimarily used to Primarily used to determine the strength determine the strength of a radioactive source. of a radioactive source.

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Dose Setting on RadiacThe Ultra-Radiac automatically adjust the display and units to accommodate data (μR, mR, R)Dose Visual Alarm LED located on right side, underneath the display. By pressing DOSE, can toggle display to Cumulative Dose since “reset” (10-sec toggle)Start cumulative dose period by depressing DOSE and CLR/TEST simultaneously for about 5 seconds

Cumulative dose will ONLY be clear via Manual Reset, will NOT clear upon turning off device.

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Rate Setting on Radiac

The UltraThe Ultra--RadiacRadiac automatically adjust automatically adjust the display and units to accommodate the display and units to accommodate data (data (ΜΜrr/hr, mR/hr, R/hr)/hr, mR/hr, R/hr)Dose Visual Alarm LED located on Dose Visual Alarm LED located on left side, underneath the display.left side, underneath the display.Works in unison with Source Finder Works in unison with Source Finder (Chirper) Mode to find and measure (Chirper) Mode to find and measure strength of a source. strength of a source.

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Chirper ModeDepress RATE until a 1 shows on display.

Chirper will be enabled

Depress RATE again until a 0 shows on displayChirper will be disabled

Chirper mode also referred to as source locator mode to search for and pinpoint radioactive source location

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Dual Level Alarms - Dose and RateTwo alarms (Dose Rate and Dose) with two levels Two alarms (Dose Rate and Dose) with two levels each (low and high) for flexibilityeach (low and high) for flexibilityRateRate

Low threshold Low threshold -- set at a level above background to serve as a set at a level above background to serve as a ““first first warningwarning”” of the presence of radiationof the presence of radiationHigh threshold High threshold -- set at a level indicating danger (evacuate)set at a level indicating danger (evacuate)

Dose (accumulated since last Dose (accumulated since last ““resetreset””))Low threshold Low threshold -- set at a warning levelset at a warning levelHigh threshold High threshold -- set at an absolute limit (must evacuate)set at an absolute limit (must evacuate)““Stay timeStay time”” display feature display feature -- shows time in minutes the user can shows time in minutes the user can remain at current dose rate until high dose threshold reachedremain at current dose rate until high dose threshold reached

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Ultra-Radiac Alarms

High Rate Alarm Lights Red, Flashes, and Alarms at faster interval

Low Rate Alarm Lights Green, Flashes, and Alarms at slower interval

High Dose Alarm Lights Red, Flashes and Alarms at faster interval

Low Dose Alarm Lights Green, Flashes, and Alarms at slower interval

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ALARMSThere are four alarms available to be setThere are four alarms available to be set

1.1. Low Dose RateLow Dose Rate (Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)(Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)

2.2. High Dose RateHigh Dose Rate (Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)(Dose rate can fluctuate up or down)

3.3. Low DoseLow Dose (Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)(Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)

4.4. High DoseHigh Dose (Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)(Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)In addition to the word ALARM plus either RATE or DOSE in the In addition to the word ALARM plus either RATE or DOSE in the display, there are Three Alarm Mechanisms available for each aladisplay, there are Three Alarm Mechanisms available for each alarm rm setting: setting:

1.1. AudibleAudible (Aud in display window)(Aud in display window)

2.2. VisualVisual (Vis in display window)(Vis in display window)

3.3. VibrateVibrate (Scrolling Bar (Scrolling Bar -- -- -- in display window)in display window)NYREMS and FDNY are activating all three alarm mechanisms for NYREMS and FDNY are activating all three alarm mechanisms for each of the four alarmseach of the four alarms

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NYC Regional EMS Council Settings

1.1. Low Dose RateLow Dose Rate:: 1 mR/hr1 mR/hr green light leftgreen light leftIndicates the presence of radiation for awarenessIndicates the presence of radiation for awarenessYou should not encounter radiation routinelyYou should not encounter radiation routinely

2.2. High Dose RateHigh Dose Rate:: 50 R/hr 50 R/hr red light leftred light leftWill need to evacuate in under 15 minutes at this Will need to evacuate in under 15 minutes at this raterateAccumulating nearly 1 R every minute Accumulating nearly 1 R every minute Dose Rate rarely stays steady and can change Dose Rate rarely stays steady and can change often / significantlyoften / significantly

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NYC Regional EMS Council Settings

1.1. Low Dose (Total):Low Dose (Total): 1 R 1 R green green light rightlight right

Check stay time frequently by pressing Check stay time frequently by pressing the |ALARM| buttonthe |ALARM| button

2.2. High Dose (Total):High Dose (Total): 12 R12 R red red light rightlight right

EVACUATE!EVACUATE!Cannot AcknowledgeCannot Acknowledge

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Basic Use by the First Responder4 Simple Steps…

1. Turn on the Ultra-Radiac by pressing the |ON/OFF| buttonWhen the default RATE display is shown, proper performance has been automatically checked

2. Reset the total accumulated dose to zeroDepress the |DOSE| button to display total DOSE

Depress the |DOSE| and |CLR/TEST| buttons for about 5 seconds

The new DOSE display value will then show total accumulated dose since time of last reset

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4 Simple Steps, continued…33. . If If ““BATBAT”” is blinking on display, the 4 AAA batteries have less than 10 is blinking on display, the 4 AAA batteries have less than 10 hours of life and should be replaced with fresh batteries at thehours of life and should be replaced with fresh batteries at the earliest earliest opportunityopportunity

To check remaining battery life (possible only when To check remaining battery life (possible only when ““BATBAT”” is blinking is blinking and RATE is displayed): press the |and RATE is displayed): press the |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST| button | button –– the value the value displayed represents battery lifetime in minutes (< 600)displayed represents battery lifetime in minutes (< 600)

44. . If device alarmsIf device alarms, move away and upwind from the primary radiation , move away and upwind from the primary radiation source, and evaluate best response options (considering the dosesource, and evaluate best response options (considering the dose hazard)hazard)

NOTE: Alarm limits for dose RATE and total DOSE should be NOTE: Alarm limits for dose RATE and total DOSE should be properly preproperly pre--set by a supervisorset by a supervisor

To acknowledge/silence alarm: press |To acknowledge/silence alarm: press |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST| |

Press the | ALARM | button to display the stay time remaining inPress the | ALARM | button to display the stay time remaining inminutes (999 is approximately 16.5 hours). Check this value freqminutes (999 is approximately 16.5 hours). Check this value frequently uently when responding to radiation incident as it will change (sometimwhen responding to radiation incident as it will change (sometimes es rapidly) with dose rate.rapidly) with dose rate.

Questions?