Radiological Equipment - Advanced

Objectives

• For each radiation detection instrument:− Perform advanced operating procedures− Become familiar with software− Identify advanced maintenance procedures

• Prerequisite training:− Radiation awareness− Basic operation and maintenance of each instrument

IsoTrak DoseGuard

Basic Operation Review

• Prepare for operation• Check dose and dose rate• Check alarms

Advanced Operation Overview

• Recommended procedures not to be done by operator

− Reset default reading− Turn off/on chirp− Reset dose reading to zero− Check/change dose or rate alarm set points− Deactivate dose or rate alarm− Test battery during operation− Use reader and software

Function Settings

• Toggle button to feature, hold to reset• Feature options

− 1x = non-default display (dose rate)− 2x = OFF− 3x = chirp off/on− 4x = reset dose to zero− 5x = dose alarm display/reset− 6x = rate alarm display/reset− 7x = battery test

Reset Default Reading

• Normal default is total dose reading− Can switch with current dose rate reading

• Procedure− Press button 1x− Display shows dose rate (non-default)− Hold button until long beep; release− Display shows dose rate as new default

Chirp Feature

• “Chirp” alerts user of increased dose rate− Disabled chirp does not mute alarms

• Display shows horn if chirp is enabled• Procedure to disable/enable

− Press button 3x− Display reads “CHr”− Hold button until long beep, release

Reset Dose to Zero

• Verify dose is zeroed before use• Procedure

− Press button 4x− Display reads “CLr”− Hold button until long beep− Display shows current dose flashing

• Will revert to default if no further action− While flashing, hold button until long beep− Dose resets to zero, returns to default

Check Dose Alarm Set Point

• Verify before use• Procedure

− Press button 5x− Display reads “dAL”− Hold button until long beep, release− Display shows dose alarm setting, returns

to default

Reset Dose Alarm Set Point

• Reset to current guidance• Procedure

− Check alarm: Press button 5x, display “dAL”, hold− Display shows dose alarm setting for several sec. − During display, toggle button through list of choices

• Select zero to disable dose alarm− Hold button until long beep; release

Check Dose Rate Alarm Set Point

• Verify before use• Procedure

− Press button 6x− Display reads “drA”− Hold button until long beep, release− Display shows rate alarm setting, returns

to default

Reset Dose Rate Alarm Set Point

• Reset to current guidance• Procedure

− Check alarm: Press button 6x, display “drA”, hold− Display shows rate alarm setting for several sec. − During display, toggle button through list of choices

• Select zero to disable rate alarm− Hold button until long beep; release

Test Battery During Operation

• Use for troubleshooting battery • Procedure:

− Press button 7x− Display reads “diA”− Hold button until long beep; release− Alarm sounds for 5 sec.− If battery symbol appears after test, replace battery

Using the Reader

• Install software to PC• Use PC to

− Prevent user from changing settings via button

− Customize settings− Print data

Start Window

Main Window

Quick Configuration Window

Print Configuration Data

Introduction to Maintenance

• Operator level− Perform simple, “common sense” checks without tools

• Hospital (organization) level− Verify failures− Perform advanced programming or diagnostics− Replace authorized components

• Factory or supporting maintenance− Calibrate, repair, rebuild, replace internal components

Advanced Maintenance Overview

• System diagnostics• No corrective maintenance• Calibration• Warranty information

System Diagnostics

• No user adjustments possible− Note error code and return to factory

• Error codes: − Er1 = calibration error− Er2 = fault in nonvolatile RAM− Er3 = fault in detector− Er4 = fault in RAM

Calibration

• Frequency: Recommended annually− Based on local protocols

• Procedure for sending to factory− Track due date—no surprises− Send instrument to factory− Track shipment until returned

• Cost estimate (2006): $40

Warranty Information

• 12 months free of defects in material or workmanship

Ultra Radiac

Basic Operation Review

• Prepare for operation• Check dose and dose rate• Turn on back light• Check stay time• Data logging• Alarms

Advanced Operation Overview

• Recommended procedures not to be done by operator

− Reset dose to zero− Use sleep mode− Use source finder mode− Check/change alarm indicators− Check/change dose or rate alarm set points− View data log− Clear data log− Use cable and software

Reset Dose to Zero

• Verify dose is zeroed before use− Log data before zeroing

• Procedure− Press Dose key, display shows dose reading− If dose not 000, continue− Hold Dose + Clear/Test keys until “000” is displayed

Use Sleep Mode

• Extends battery life >1000 hours − Wakes up every 5 minutes− Alarm sounds if preset levels exceeded

• Set sleep mode− When installing batteries− Hold Rate + On/Off key

• Resume normal operation− Hold On/Off key

Use Source Finder Mode

• Purpose: Use as an alternate survey meter• Activate:

− Hold Rate key until flashing “1”− Use as survey meter− Audible clicker activated

• Deactivate: Hold Rate key until flashing “0”

Check Alarm Set Points

• Dose rate alarm set points: High and Low− Press Alarm + Rate keys− Press Rate key to select H or L− Press Clear/Test key to see alarm set point (H or L)− Vibrator alarm active: display also shows “- - -”

• Dose alarm set points: High and Low− Same procedure using Alarm + Dose keys

Change Alarm Indicators

• Enable/disable visual, audio, or vibration• Procedure (rate alarm):

− Check alarm: Rate + Alarm, Rate (H/L), Clear/Test− Press Alarm until desired combination appears− Wait 10 sec. for return to normal display

• Dose alarm procedure same, use Dose key

Change Alarm Set Points

• Procedure (rate alarm):− Check alarm: Rate + Alarm, Rate (H/L), Clear/Test− Press Clear/Test again to start− Press Rate until desired decimal and units appear,

press Clear/Test to select− Repeat for each digit

• Same procedure for dose alarm− Use dose key

View Logged Data

• View data from instrument− Power Off: Hold Rate + On/Off keys 1 sec.− Displays current log number− Scroll up (Rate) or down (Dose)

• Number, rate, dose, next number … − Return to normal: Power Off and On

• PC access (advanced operations)− Download, view, or clear data log

Clear Data Log

• Recommend download to PC first• Procedure

− View data log (power Off, hold Rate + On/Off)− Hold Rate + Alarm, press Clear/Test (all 3)− Display “0” indicates all data cleared− Return to normal: Power Off and On

Using the PC Software

• Use the PC to− Print and download logged data− Change instrument parameters− Observe readings in real time

Initializing Setup

• Install software to PC• Connect cable between PC and meter• Start software

− Set password 12345− Main screen appears

Main Window

Text File Export

• File menu on Main Screen• Export to text or Excel

Interrogate Meter

Advanced Settings

Manage Templates

Monitoring Mode

Advanced Maintenance Overview

• Troubleshooting• System diagnostics• No corrective maintenance• Calibration• Warranty information

Troubleshooting

Fault or problem Solution

Low battery icon Change batteries

Failed operational test

(Display flashing 0)

Power Off and On, retest

Contact service center

GM tube failure

(Display = = =)

Contact service center

Overflow alert (reading too high)

(Display flashing - - -)

Back away from area, reset alarms

System Diagnostics

• Test key function during operational test− Initiate test: Clear/Test, 888 000, press keys

• Key codes: − Dose = 002− Alarm = 010− Rate = 001− Light = 020− Clear/Test = 004− On/Off = OFF

Calibration

• Frequency: Recommended 1-2 yrs− Based on local protocols

• Procedure for sending to factory− Track due date—no surprises− Schedule to keep some instruments on hand− Call for tracking #− Send instrument to factory− 2-3 week turnaround

• Cost estimate (2006): $125• FDNY uses local calibration option

Warranty Information

• Published in User’s Manual • 1 year free of defects from materials or

workmanship• 90 days software operates as specified

Radiation Survey Meter

Controls and Indicators

Calibration switch well open to see adjustments

Internal Controls

• Switchboard inside meter shell− 16-position function switch− Enter button− Up and Left buttons

• RS-232 port

Basic Operation Review

• Prepare for operation• Use clicker• Use gamma probe• Change probes• Use pancake probe• Alarms

Advanced Operation Overview

• Scalar function• Setting parameters• Data port connection

Scalar Operation

• Purpose: Record total count over fixed time• Operating procedures

− Set mode switch to Scalar− Push handle button to start count− “COUNTING” displayed until finished− Display shows final count− Reset alarm by pressing handle button (restart count)

or power Off/On

Switchboard Settings

• Procedure (power On)− Set Detector toggle switch− Open case− Set function switch to desired position− Press ENTER− Display flashes right digit of current setting− Press UP to change character value− Press LEFT to advance to next character− Press ENTER to accept setting

• Detach switchboard to prevent changes

Data Port Connection

• Located on switchboard inside instrument case• Optional software for resetting programmable

features via PC− All can be manually set using switchboard

Advanced Maintenance Overview

• Troubleshooting• System diagnostics• Component replacement• Calibration• Warranty information

Troubleshooting

Failure1) Does not power up (display

blank)

2) Probe does not operate with check source—no change in reading

3) Display reading not correct with probe—background too high

Possible corrective action• Replace battery; check battery

polarity; replace instrument

• Check probe is connected; change to other probe and recheck; replace probe; replace cord

• Hold probe away from check source; move to different location (background too high); return for calibration; replace probe; replace cord

Troubleshooting (cont.)

Failure4) Display reading not correct

with probe—background zero or too low

5) Switch function does not operate properly

6) Instrument frequently alarms

Possible corrective action• Set to Ratemeter mode; check

probe with check source; return for calibration; replace probe; replace cord

• Power Off/On and recheck; continue use if possible; replace instrument if it cannot be used safely

• Move to lower radiation area; reset alarm set point higher (advanced procedures)

System Diagnostics

• Settings for main board, switch board, and display board are listed in User’s Manual

• Under CAL cover are additional setting switches− Primarily used during calibration− Includes alarm setting for detector overload− Keep cover in place to avoid inadvertent adjustment

• Probe testing procedures in probe manuals

Component Replacement

• Not recommended without factory authorized maintenance assistance

• Instrument repair parts list and wiring diagrams are in User’s Manual

• Probe internal component replacement procedures and parts lists are in probe manuals

Calibration

• Frequency: Annual− Includes instrument and both probes

• Procedure for sending in− Track due date—no surprises− Schedule to keep some instruments on hand− Send complete kit to service provider− Track shipment until returned

• Cost estimate (2006): TBD

Warranty Information

• 12 month free of defects• Calibrated within specified accuracy on delivery• Not covered

− Replacement of probe components damaged from abuse

Area Radiation Monitor

Basic Operation Review

• Prepare for operation• Normal operation• Alarms

Advanced Operation Overview

• Hardware installation• Check/set monitor parameters• Using the PC software• Portable (non-fixed) operation

Hardware Installation

• Wall-mounted units: Mount near door; plug in− Place “portable unit” near desired area; run

extension cord

• Run cable to remote: 20 ft. distant• Select computer for software installation

− Have IT personnel install

Calibration Controls

Check/Set Monitor Parameters

• Check: hold button to display data• Set parameters

− Cal Mode switch On to make adjustments− Adjust alarm set points

• Hold High (or Low) Alarm, set with Up/Down− Do not change Cal Constant or Dead Time− Cal Mode switch Off

Set Dip Switch Parameters

• Cal mode (for adjustments) Off or On• Latch (High alarm) No or Yes• Range (display units) 0.1 or 1• Single beep (Low and High alarms) No or Yes

Equipment Application

• Fixed site monitor− Mounted on wall at fixed location

• Portable monitor− Disconnect and dismount− Place near alternate temporary location− Plastic bag to protect from weather and decon

activity− Run extension cord for power, no remote− Option to monitor with network

Using the PC Software

• Use PC to− Set up monitor to interface with PC− Monitor real time readings− Record alarms and status data

Initializing Setup

• Install software to PC− Establish IP address

• Install monitor and remote hardware− Connect Ethernet cable

• Set up each monitor ID # and UDP• Start software

− Main screen appears− Finish set up for each monitor in user preferences

Monitor Setup

• Check with network administrator• Procedure to set ID and UDP on monitor

− Open cal cover, set Cal Mode switch On− Hold Low Alarm + High Alarm, set ID with Up/Down− Hold Low Alarm + Cal Const, set UDP with Up/Down− Fill in configuration sheet in User’s Guide− Set Cal Mode switch Off, close cover

Main Window

Complete Monitor Setup

• Procedure− Main window; preferences− Preferences window; Online tab

• Online tab; check channels to become active− Preferences window; Channel Designation tab

• Fill in ID number for each monitor• Apply; save

− Verify that software receives monitor data

Preferences Window

Preferences Window (cont.)

Quick Alert Window

Status Window

Map Edit Window

Graph View Window

After Operating

• Applies to temporary use only− Power Off when done− Verify battery charged− Disconnect and store components

together if used in mobile site

Advanced Maintenance Overview

• Calibration• Warranty information

Calibration

• Frequency: Annual• Procedure for sending in

− Track due date: No surprises− Send complete kit to service provider− Track shipment until returned

• On site calibration available• Cost estimate (2006): TBD

Warranty Information

• 12 month free of defects• Calibrated within specified accuracy on delivery

Competency Check

• For each instrument:− Prepare for normal operation− Operate advanced features− Shut down

• For dosimeters: Explain how software is used• For survey meter: Explain how to set parameters• For area monitor: Explain network procedures

Advanced Procedures Summary

• Basic familiarity with the equipment required

• Advanced operating procedures• Beyond operator maintenance