remsco rp training-1modified

8/14/2019 REMSCO RP Training-1modified

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Radiation Safety Training

for First Responders

Regional EMS CouncilRegional EMS Councilof 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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Objectives

Radiation 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 andRadioactivity


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What Is Radiation?The spontaneous emission of fragments or bundles of

energy from unstable nuclei creating more stable nuclei

Radioactive Atom Energy Release

Emits radiation in the

form of particles and waves

Becomes more stable


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Helium Atom

+

Proton (p)

Neutron (n)

Electron (e)


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Ionizing Radiation

Radiation with enoughRadiation with enoughenergy to causeenergy to cause

ionizations.ionizations.

Change a neutral atomChange a neutral atomor molecule to one withor molecule to one with

positive or negativepositive or negative

charge.charge.


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Types of Ionizing Radiation

Alpha positively chargedAlpha positively chargedparticles that can be stopped byparticles that can be stopped bya sheet of paper.a sheet of paper.

Beta electrons that can beBeta electrons that can bestopped by plastic.stopped by plastic.

Gamma/X energeticGamma/X energeticpenetrating rays that can bepenetrating rays that can be

reduced by lead.reduced by lead.

Neutron only during reactorNeutron only during reactoror accelerator operation, or rareor accelerator operation, or raresources reduced by water andsources reduced by water and

other light materials.other light materials.


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Distance Helps !

When you double the distance the dose isWhen 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 Point SourcesGood for Point Sources


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Radiation Absorbed Dose (rad)

Definition:Definition:

tthe energy deposited by ionizing radiationhe energy deposited by ionizing radiationin a unit mass of materialin a unit mass of material

Units:Units:

rad = 100 ergs/gram,rad = 100 ergs/gram,

gray (Gy) = 100 radgray (Gy) = 100 rad


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Dose Equivalent (Rem)

Definition:Definition:

A common scale for equating relativeA common scale for equating relative

hazard of various types of ionizinghazard 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 1

10

Gamma, X-ray

Neutrons up to

1Beta

20Alpha

Q


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Radioactive

A material that contains many unstable nucleiA 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 whereRadioactive material that is in a place where

it is not wanted .it is not wanted .


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Radioactive Contamination

Can be in the form of:Can be in the form of:

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

LiquidLiquid

GasGas


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Units of Radioactivity

Curie (Ci) = 37 billion dis/sec. . . 37,000,000,000Curie (Ci) = 37 billion dis/sec. . . 37,000,000,000 millicurie (mCi) = 1 / 1000 Ci . . 37,000,000millicurie (mCi) = 1 / 1000 Ci . . 37,000,000

microcurie (uCi) = 1 / 1,000,000 Ci . . 37,000microcurie (uCi) = 1 / 1,000,000 Ci . . 37,000

1 disintegration/sec = 1 Bequerel (Bq)1 disintegration/sec = 1 Bequerel (Bq) 1 Bq = 1 dis/sec = 60 dis/min (dpm)1 Bq = 1 dis/sec = 60 dis/min (dpm)

Radioisotopes often come in units of MBqRadioisotopes often come in units of MBq1 MBq = 1,000,000 Bq = 27 microcurie (uCi)1 MBq = 1,000,000 Bq = 27 microcurie (uCi)

1 millicurie = 37 MBq1 millicurie = 37 MBq


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Half - Life

0

50

100

1 2 3 4 5 6

Number of Half-Lives

%

of

Radioactivity

Initial

Activity

The time required for the radioactivity todecrease to one-half of its

initial value

Decrease in

Radioactivity

with Time


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Radioactivity Hazardous?

3 Things you should know to find out what3 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

Half-Life long or short?Half-Life long or short?

Solid or Dispersible?Solid or Dispersible?


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Part 2:

Effects ofRadiation


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Radiation: Is It Safe???

Is Fire Safe?

Is Water Safe?


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External Vs. Internal Exposure

ExternalExternal

Outside of bodyOutside of body

Add external andAdd external and

internal to give totalinternal to give totaldosedose

InternalInternalMaterials in bodyMaterials in body

Inhalation or ingestionInhalation or ingestion

Through breaks in skinThrough breaks in skin

Long term in bodyLong term in body Material is removed fromMaterial 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 Dose AcuteAcute

Large dose in shortLarge dose in short

time (300 rem / hr)time (300 rem / hr)

May cause earlyMay cause earlyeffectseffects

Effects known from:Effects known from: Bomb victimsBomb victims

RadiographyRadiography AccidentsAccidents

ChronicChronic Small doses over timeSmall doses over time May cause delayed effectsMay cause delayed effects

Possible for workers (butPossible for workers (butnot observed)not observed)

Analogy with SunAnalogy with Sun Acute exposure gives sunAcute exposure gives sun

burn, peeling, new skinburn, peeling, new skin Chronic leads to repairChronic 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 dosesNo unique effectsNatural incidence of cancer ~ 40%;

mortality ~ 25% Risk of fatal cancer is estimated as ~ 4% per100 rem

A dose of 5 rem increases the risk of fatal

cancer by ~ 0.2% A dose of 25 rem increases the risk of fatal

cancer by ~ 1%


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Occupational Dose Limits

Whole body dose -Whole body dose - 5 rem / yr5 rem / yr Organ 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 Risks

Risks Expected LifeLost

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

Alcohol 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 Safety

Risks uncertain, thereforeRisks uncertain, therefore

Assumes that all doses have some effectAssumes that all doses have some effect

No 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 safety

Do better thanDo better than the limitsthe limits


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EPA Emergency Dose

Guidelines

Voluntary basis,person is fully

aware of risks

Lifesaving orprotect population

> 25 rem

Where lower dose

limit not practical

Lifesaving or

protect population

25 rem

Where lower dose

limit not practical

Protection of

major property

10 rem

All5 rem

ConditionsActivityDose Limit


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Estimating the severity of radiation injury isEstimating the severity of radiation injury isdifficult.difficult.

Treat symptomatically. Prevention andTreat symptomatically. Prevention andmanagement of infection is the primarymanagement 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 TeamMedical Radiobiology Advisory Team

(MRAT)(MRAT)

Treatment of Large External

Exposures


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Part 3:

RadiationSources


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Typical Radiation Exposures

~ 363 mrem/yr

Radon-200

Cosmic-27

Earth-28

Internal-39

Med Xray-39

Nuc Med-14

Cons Prod-10

Occupational-0.2


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Comparing Levels of Radiation

US Avg Per YearUS Avg Per Year

Chest X-rayChest X-ray

Radiation WorkerRadiation Worker

GI SeriesGI Series

Cancer TherapyCancer Therapy

Food IrradiationFood Irradiation

Sterilization (medicalSterilization (medical

equipment, etc.)equipment, etc.)

363 mrem/year363 mrem/year

20 mrem20 mrem

100-500 mrem/year100-500 mrem/year

5,000 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

E l f R di ti M t i l


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Physical

Radionuclide Half-Life Activity Use

Cesium-137 30 yrs 1.5x106 Ci Food IrradiatorCobalt-60 5 yrs 15,000 Ci Cancer Therapy

Plutonium-239 24,000 yrs 600 Ci Nuclear Weapon

Iridium-192 74 days 100 Ci Industrial Radiography

Hydrogen-3 12 yrs 12 Ci Exit SignsStrontium-90 29 yrs 0.1 Ci Eye Therapy Device

Iodine-131 8 days 0.015 Ci Nuclear Medicineand Therapy

Technetium-99m 6 hrs 0.025 Ci Diagnostic Imaging

Americium-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

R di i M i l


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Radioactive MaterialTransportation

Labels on Packages


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Part 4:Protection from



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Radiological Incident Control

Identify the SubstanceIdentify the SubstanceConsider all potential hazardsConsider all potential hazards

Establish Contamination Control ZonesEstablish Contamination Control Zones

Protect Personnel from Radiation ExposureProtect Personnel from Radiation ExposureFollow EPA Protective Action Guides forFollow EPA Protective Action Guides for

radiation exposureradiation exposure

Time, Distance, ShieldingTime, Distance, Shielding

Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective EquipmentProtect Equipment from contaminationProtect Equipment from contamination


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R di l i l I id t C t l


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Protect equipment from

contamination and mark

off hot, warm, and cold

zones.

R di l i l I id t C t l


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Tool drop before

leaving hot zone

Contamination check

Hot area marked off

with tape and stanchions

P ti t H dli


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Patient Handling

Determine type of exposure

Externally

irradiated

Externally

contaminated

Internally

contaminated

P ti t H dli


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Patient Handling

Perform gross decontamination:

If needed

If it will not interfere with critical care


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P ti t H dli


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Patient Handling

Enter 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

P ti t H dli


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Patient Handling

Prepare patient and transport

VIDEO

C f R di ti


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Causes of Radiation

Exposure/Contamination AccidentsAccidents

TransportationTransportation Lost/stolen medical or industrialLost/stolen medical or industrial

radioactive sourcesradioactive sources

Medical radiation therapyMedical radiation therapyNuclear reactorNuclear reactor Industrial irradiatorIndustrial irradiator

Terrorist EventTerrorist Event

Radiological dispersal device (dirtyRadiological dispersal device (dirtybomb or smoky bomb)bomb or smoky bomb)

Low yield nuclear weaponLow yield nuclear weapon


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R di i P i


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Time

Minimize time spent near radiationsources

Radiation Protection

Reducing Radiation Exposure

DistanceMaintain maximalpractical distance fromradiation source

ShieldingPlace radioactive sources ina lead container

Protecting Hospital Staff from


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Key Points

Contamination is easy to detect and most of it can beremoved

It is very unlikely that ED staff will receive large

radiation doses from treating contaminatedpatients

Protecting Hospital Staff fromContamination

Universal precautions Survey hands and clothing with

radiation meter Replace gloves or clothing

that is contaminated Keep the work area free of

contamination


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Facility Preparation

Activate hospital planActivate hospital plan Obtain radiation survey metersObtain radiation survey meters Call for additional support: Staff from Nuclear Medicine,Call for additional support: Staff from Nuclear Medicine,

Radiation Oncology, Radiation Safety (Health Physics)Radiation Oncology, Radiation Safety (Health Physics)

Plan for decontamination of uninjured personsPlan for decontamination of uninjured persons Establish triage areaEstablish triage area

Plan to control contaminationPlan to control contamination Instruct staff to use universal precautions and double gloveInstruct staff to use universal precautions and double glove

Establish multiple receptacles for contaminated wasteEstablish multiple receptacles for contaminated waste Protect floor with covering if time allowsProtect floor with covering if time allows

Treatment Area Layout


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Contaminated

Waste

Waste

Treatment Area Layout

Radiation

Survey

HOTLINE

STEP

OFF

PAD

CONTAMINATED

AREA

BUFFER

ZONE

CLEAN

AREA

Radiation

Survey

&

Charting

ED

Staff

Clean

Gloves,

Masks,

Gowns,

Booties

Separate

Entrance

Trauma Room


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Patient Management - Priorities

TriageTriage Medical triage is the highestMedical triage is the highest

prioritypriority Radiation exposure andRadiation exposure and

contamination are secondarycontamination are secondaryconsiderationsconsiderations Degree of decontaminationDegree of decontamination

dictated by number of anddictated by number of andcapacity to treat other injuredcapacity to treat other injured

patientspatients


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Patient Management - Triage

Triage based on:Triage based on: InjuriesInjuries Signs and symptoms -Signs and symptoms -

nausea, vomiting, fatigue,nausea, vomiting, fatigue,

diarrheadiarrhea History - Where were youHistory - Where were you

when event occurred?when event occurred? Contamination surveyContamination survey


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Psychological Casualties Terrorist acts involving toxic agents (especiallyTerrorist acts involving toxic agents (especially

radiation) are perceived as very threateningradiation) are perceived as very threatening Mass casualty incidents caused by nuclearMass casualty incidents caused by nuclear

terrorism will create large numbers of worriedterrorism will create large numbers of worriedpeople who may not be injured or contaminatedpeople who may not be injured or contaminated

Provide psychological support to patients and setProvide psychological support to patients and setup a center in the hospital for staffup a center in the hospital for staff Establish triage (monitoring and counseling)Establish triage (monitoring and counseling)

centers to prevent psychological casualties fromcenters to prevent psychological casualties fromoverwhelming health care facilitiesoverwhelming health care facilities

Patient Management


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Patient Management -

Decontamination Carefully remove and bag patients clothing

and personal belongings (typically removes95% of contamination)

Survey patient and, if practical, collect samples

Handle foreign objects with care until provennon-radioactive with survey meter Decontamination priorities:

Decontaminate wounds first, then intact skin

Start with highest levels of contamination Change outer gloves frequently to minimize

spread of contamination



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Patient Management Decontamination (Cont.) Protect non-contaminated wounds with waterproofProtect non-contaminated wounds with waterproof

dressingsdressings Contaminated wounds:Contaminated wounds:

Irrigate and gently scrub with surgical spongeIrrigate and gently scrub with surgical sponge Avoid overly aggressive decontaminationAvoid overly aggressive decontamination

Change dressings frequentlyChange dressings frequently

Decontaminate intact skin and hair by washing with soapDecontaminate intact skin and hair by washing with soap& water& water

Remove stubborn contamination on hair byRemove stubborn contamination on hair bycutting with scissors or electric clipperscutting with scissors or electric clippers

Use survey meter to monitor progressUse survey meter to monitor progressof decontaminationof decontamination



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Decontamination (Cont.)

Cease decontamination of skin and woundsCease decontamination of skin and wounds When the area is less than twice background, orWhen the area is less than twice background, or

When there is no significant reduction between deconWhen there is no significant reduction between deconefforts, andefforts, and

Before intact skin becomes abraded.Before intact skin becomes abraded. Contaminated thermal burnsContaminated thermal burns

Gently rinse. Washing may increase severity of injury.Gently rinse. Washing may increase severity of injury.

Additional contamination will be removed whenAdditional contamination will be removed when

dressings are changed.dressings are changed. Do not delay surgery or other necessary medicalDo not delay surgery or other necessary medical

procedures or examsresidual contamination canprocedures or examsresidual contamination canbe controlled.be controlled.


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Key Points

Medical stabilization is the highest priorityMedical stabilization is the highest priority Train/drill to ensure competence and confidenceTrain/drill to ensure competence and confidence Pre-plan to ensure adequate supplies and surveyPre-plan to ensure adequate supplies and survey

instruments are availableinstruments are available

Universal precautions and decontaminatingUniversal precautions and decontaminatingpatients minimizes exposure and contaminationpatients minimizes exposure and contaminationriskrisk

Early symptoms and their intensity are anEarly symptoms and their intensity are an

indication of the severity of the radiation injuryindication of the severity of the radiation injury

The first 24 hours are the worst; then you willThe first 24 hours are the worst; then you willlikely have many additional resourceslikely have many additional resources


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Part 5:Measuring


Geiger Counters


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Geiger Counters Indicate gamma radiation dose rate

Some models also indicate beta dose rateGenerally 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

Friskers


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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

Survey meters


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Survey meters Geiger Counters good overall field useGeiger Counters good overall field use

Ion Chambers more accurate, generallyIon Chambers more accurate, generallyless ruggedless rugged

Scintillation counters very sensitive; idealScintillation counters very sensitive; ideal

for looking for sources or low levels offor looking for sources or low levels ofradiation; not good in high radiation fieldradiation; not good in high radiation field

Ion Chamber

Meters and Probes


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Meters and Probes Generally, there are two parts to a surveyGenerally, there are two parts to a survey

instrument the meter and the probeinstrument the meter and the probe Some instruments have internal probes, soSome instruments have internal probes, so

there is not external probe visiblethere is not external probe visible

Reading the meter


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Reading the meter

Note batterycheck 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 alarmingdosimeter 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.

Laboratory Tests


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Laboratory Tests

Alpha isotopic analysis: a detailed and complicated analysis

where the chemicals are added to the sample to chemicallyseparate 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 chemicallyseparated, 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 EMSPersonal Dosimeter Distributed To NYC Based EMS

Agencies as Part of a Citywide Radiation DetectionAgencies as Part of a Citywide Radiation Detection

Program.Program.

Also Utilized by FDNY-Fire, OEM & Hospital ERs.Also Utilized by FDNY-Fire, OEM & Hospital ERs.


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From US Army to First Responders

Military AN/UDR-13...Military AN/UDR-13... MIL-STD 810 qualified personal radiationMIL-STD 810 qualified personal radiation

detector designed for nuclear battlefielddetector designed for nuclear battlefield

applicationsapplications

Designed for extreme physical conditionsDesigned for extreme physical conditions

...Evolves to Ultra-Radiac for First Responders to...Evolves to Ultra-Radiac for First Responders to

the current Ultra-Radiacthe current Ultra-Radiac

Remove prompt gamma/neutron detectionRemove prompt gamma/neutron detection

Add vibration alarmAdd vibration alarm

Increase alarm volume to 90dBAIncrease alarm volume to 90dBA Same operabilitySame operability

Same dynamic rangeSame dynamic range

Multiple colors and radiation unitsMultiple colors and radiation units


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CabberraUltra-Radiac

FeaturesFeatures Detects Gamma/Neutron RadiationDetects Gamma/Neutron Radiation

98% of radioactive materials emit Gamma/Neutron98% of radioactive materials emit Gamma/Neutron

RaysRays Backlit Display (large font)Backlit Display (large font) Audible Alarm (90 dBA at one foot)Audible Alarm (90 dBA at one foot) Vibrating Alarm (Optional)Vibrating Alarm (Optional) 2 LEDs under the display turn green on alarm of either2 LEDs 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 buttons Not Susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)Not Susceptible to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)


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Two Modes of Detection

RadiationRadiation DoseDose Measures the accumulatedMeasures the accumulated

amount of radiation that hasamount of radiation that has

been absorbed.been absorbed. It is the primary parameterIt is the primary parameter

used to determine the healthused to determine the health

risk of remaining in arisk of remaining in a

radioactive environment.radioactive environment.

Default reading on theDefault reading on theUltra-Radiac.Ultra-Radiac.

RateRate of Exposureof Exposure Measures the rate at whichMeasures the rate at which

individual is being exposedindividual is being exposed

to radiation.to radiation. Measures the rate at unit ofMeasures the rate at unit of

radiation per hour.radiation per hour.

Example 5R/hrExample 5R/hr

Primarily used to determinePrimarily used to determine

the strength of a radioactivethe strength of a radioactivesource.source.


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Dose Setting on Radiac

The Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustThe Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustthe display and units to accommodatethe display and units to accommodatedata (data (R, mR, R)R, mR, R)

Dose Visual Alarm LED located on rightDose Visual Alarm LED located on right

side, underneath the display.side, underneath the display. By pressing DOSE, can toggle display toBy pressing DOSE, can toggle display to

Cumulative Dose since reset (10-secCumulative Dose since reset (10-sectoggle)toggle)

Start cumulative dose period byStart cumulative dose period by

depressing DOSE and CLR/TESTdepressing DOSE and CLR/TESTsimultaneously for about 5 secondssimultaneously for about 5 seconds Cumulative dose will ONLY be clear via ManualCumulative dose will ONLY be clear via Manual

Reset, will NOT clear upon turning off device.Reset, will NOT clear upon turning off device.


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Rate Setting on Radiac

The Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustThe Ultra-Radiac automatically adjustthe display and units to accommodatethe display and units to accommodatedata (data (rr/hr, mR/hr, R/hr)/hr, mR/hr, R/hr)

Dose Visual Alarm LED located on leftDose Visual Alarm LED located on leftside, underneath the display.side, underneath the display. Works in unison with Source FinderWorks in unison with Source Finder

(Chirper) Mode to find and measure(Chirper) Mode to find and measurestrength of a source.strength of a source.


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Chirper Mode

Depress RATE until a 1 shows on display.Depress RATE until a 1 shows on display. Chirper will be enabledChirper will be enabled

Depress RATE again until a 0 shows on displayDepress RATE again until a 0 shows on display Chirper will be disabledChirper will be disabled

Chirper mode also referred to as source locatorChirper mode also referred to as source locatormode to search for and pinpoint radioactivemode to search for and pinpoint radioactive

source locationsource location


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Dual Level Alarms - Dose and Rate

Two alarms (Dose Rate and Dose) with two levelsTwo alarms (Dose Rate and Dose) with two levels

each (low and high) for flexibilityeach (low and high) for flexibility

RateRate

Low threshold - set at a level above background to serve as a firstLow threshold - set at a level above background to serve as a firstwarning of the presence of radiationwarning of the presence of radiation

High threshold - set at a level indicating danger (evacuate)High threshold - set at a level indicating danger (evacuate)

Dose (accumulated since last reset)Dose (accumulated since last reset)

Low threshold - set at a warning levelLow threshold - set at a warning level High threshold - set at an absolute limit (must evacuate)High threshold - set at an absolute limit (must evacuate)

Stay time display feature - shows time in minutes the user canStay time display feature - 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 LightsRed, Flashes, and Alarmsat faster interval

Low Rate Alarm LightsGreen, Flashes, and Alarmsat slower interval

High Dose Alarm LightsRed, Flashes and Alarmsat faster interval

Low Dose Alarm LightsGreen, Flashes, and Alarmsat slower interval


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ALARMS There are four alarms available to be setThere are four alarms available to be set

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

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

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

High DoseHigh Dose (Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)(Accumulated dose, cannot decrease)

In addition to the word ALARM plus either RATE or DOSE in theIn addition to the word ALARM plus either RATE or DOSE in the

display, there are Three Alarm Mechanisms available for each alarmdisplay, there are Three Alarm Mechanisms available for each alarm

setting:setting:

AudibleAudible (Aud in display window)(Aud in display window)

VisualVisual (Vis in display window)(Vis in display window) VibrateVibrate (Scrolling Bar - - - in display window)(Scrolling Bar - - - in display window)

NYREMS and FDNY are activating all three alarm mechanisms forNYREMS 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

Low Dose RateLow Dose Rate:: 1 mR/hr1 mR/hr green light leftgreen light left Indicates the presence of radiation for awarenessIndicates the presence of radiation for awareness You should not encounter radiation routinelyYou should not encounter radiation routinely

High Dose RateHigh Dose Rate:: 50 R/hr50 R/hr red light leftred light left Will need to evacuate in under 15 minutes at thisWill need to evacuate in under 15 minutes at this

raterate Accumulating nearly 1 R every minute (0.83 R)Accumulating nearly 1 R every minute (0.83 R)

Dose Rate rarely stays steady and can changeDose Rate rarely stays steady and can changeoften / significantlyoften / significantly


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NYC Regional EMS Council Settings

Low Dose (Total):Low Dose (Total): 1 R1 R greengreen

light rightlight right

Check stay time frequently by pressingCheck stay time frequently by pressing

the |ALARM| buttonthe |ALARM| button

High Dose (Total):High Dose (Total): 12 R12 R redred

light rightlight right

EVACUATE!EVACUATE! Cannot AcknowledgeCannot Acknowledge


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Basic Use by the First Responder

4 Simple Steps 1.1. Turn on the Ultra-Radiac by pressing the |Turn on the Ultra-Radiac by pressing the |ON/OFFON/OFF| button| button

When the default RATE display is shown, properWhen the default RATE display is shown, proper

performance has been automatically checkedperformance has been automatically checked

2. Reset the total accumulated dose to zero2. Reset the total accumulated dose to zero

DepressDepress the |the |DOSEDOSE| button to display total DOSE| button to display total DOSE

Depress the |Depress the |DOSEDOSE| and || and |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST| buttons for about 5| buttons for about 5

secondsseconds The new DOSE display value will then show totalThe new DOSE display value will then show total

accumulated dose since time of last resetaccumulated dose since time of last reset


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4 Simple Steps, continued 33.. If BAT is blinking on display, the 4 AAA batteries have less than 10If BAT is blinking on display, the 4 AAA batteries have less than 10

hours of life and should be replaced with fresh batteries at the earliesthours of life and should be replaced with fresh batteries at the earliestopportunityopportunity

To check remaining battery life (possible only when BAT isTo check remaining battery life (possible only when BAT is

blinking and RATE is displayed): press the |blinking and RATE is displayed): press the |CLR/TESTCLR/TEST| button the| button the

value displayed represents battery lifetime in minutes (< 600)value 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 dose hazard)source, and evaluate best response options (considering the dose hazard)

NOTE: Alarm limits for dose RATE and total DOSE should beNOTE: Alarm limits for dose RATE and total DOSE should be

properly pre-set by a supervisorproperly pre-set 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 in

minutes (999 is approximately 16.5 hours). Check this value frequentlyminutes (999 is approximately 16.5 hours). Check this value frequently

when responding to radiation incident as it will change (sometimeswhen responding to radiation incident as it will change (sometimes

rapidly) with dose rate.rapidly) with dose rate.


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Questions?

remsco rp training-1modified

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