Evaluation of Repurposing Archetypal Preventive Radiological/Nuclear Detectors for the Consequence Management Mission

Abstract

In the first hours or days after an unplanned release of radioactive material to the environment, the radiation detection instruments most widely available to local first responders may be those currently fielded for interdiction missions. This study investigated how such preventative radiological/nuclear detection instruments could perform if repurposed for consequence management missions. A representative sample of three archetypes (body-worn, human-carried, and other/large-detection-volume equipment) encompassed six categories: personal radiation detector, extended-range personal radiation detector, personal emergency radiation detector, radioisotope identification device, human-portable detector/backpack, and vehicle-mounted large-detection-volume detector. Overall 19 models of equipment were included in the study. Laboratory evaluations were designed to assess the capabilities of the instruments in four consequence management missions: exposure rate, integrated exposure, radiation survey, and contamination screening. As applicable, the evaluations included measurement of exposure rate, integrated exposure, overrange response, and angular response. The results were compared to benchmarks from the American National Standards Institute N42.49A. The performance of the instruments for initial screening for contamination was assessed by an automated radioactive source moving past the detectors at various speeds and distances. The results demonstrate that if the equipment is used in accordance with the mission analysis and categories and within the original equipment manufacturer specifications, it is possible to achieve sufficient accuracy to estimate and document doses to responders, plan entries into contaminated areas, detect contamination, and protect the public until such time as outside resources arrive with sufficient numbers of standard health physics instruments and personnel dosimetry to replace the preventative radiological/nuclear detection instruments. This evaluation campaign was conducted to complement the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report 179, Guidance for Emergency Response Dosimetry.

Suit Up: A Systematic Review of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Recommended and Utilized by Various Classes of Responders to Nuclear Radiological Disasters at Nuclear Power Plants

“…Within 24 to 36 hours post-event, federal-level response would generally become activated if local responders are incapable of responding effectively. 32 The Fukushima disaster saw workers recruited from other power plants, adjacent industries, and community volunteers. This brought communication barriers, shortages of adequate PPE, issues monitoring exposure levels, and external workers and contractors to be integrated into a system already thrown into a tailspin by the disaster.…”

“…1 This review highlighted that numerous classes of workers respond in different phases to various nuclear radiological events. 1,9,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]24,32 Selection of gear that is appropriate for the type of accident, paired with efficient donning and doffing practices, minimizes responders' exposure to ionizing radiation. 1,[25][26][27] Clear guidelines, reinforced with adequate training and frequent drills for PPE use, will help to achieve this goal.…”

“…After this, the early stage of crisis response often falls under local jurisdiction. 32 This could include local responders such as law enforcement, fire, and EMS. Initial incident response should include radiation detection, dosimetric data collection, and implementation of community-wide protective mechanisms.…”

“…Within 24 to 36 hours post-event, federal-level response would generally become activated if local responders are incapable of responding effectively. 32 …”

An Array-Type System Applied to Complex Surfaces in Nuclear Pollution Detection

“…In recent years, the extensive application of nuclear technology has brought a lot of convenience to human survival, but some potential harm to the natural environment that has also attracted the attention of the international community. Radioactive radiation has been listed as one of the main public hazards by the United Nations Conference on Human Environmental Protection (UNCHEP) [1][2][3][4]. Radioactive pollution monitoring technology is an important part of nuclear technology.…”