Health physics instruments

A health physics instrument is a device that can provide information about the dose rate or dose at the location where the instrument is placed. Health physics instruments are detectors like those discussed in Chaps. 5-7. They have to 

Source Gonads Lung Bone Surface Marrow GI tract 

Measurement of energy deposition in the detector (a quantify proportional to D in the detector material) 

Computation of dose equivalent H, from by incorporating the appro- 

In practice, the instruments are properly calibrated to read directly Sv (or rem), or Gy (or rad). For some neutron detection instruments, the neutron flux is recorded. Then the dose equivalent is obtained after multiplying the flux by the conversion factor given in Table 16.4. Since different detectors do not have the same efficiency or sensitivity for all types of radiation and for all energies, there is no single instrument that can be used for all particles (a, y, n) and all energies. 

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Since improperly handled radiation may produce deleterious effects to humans, it is important that individuals who use radiation sources learn the fundamentals of dosimetry, definition of dose units, biological effects of radiation, standards for radiation protection, and operation of health physics instruments. This chapter briefly discusses all these items. If more detailed treatment of these topics is needed, consult the bibliography and references given at the end of the chapter. 

Health physics instruments are divided into two general groups according to the way they are used ... 

The nonportable instruments are set at fixed locations to detect the radiation field they are usually equipped with an alarm that will provide an audio and/or visual signal when the field intensity exceeds a preset limit. Examples are continuous air monitors and personnel monitors (e.g., hand, foot, and whole body). A list of several health physics instruments and their characteristics is given in Table 16.11. 

Table 16.11 A List of Common Health Physics Instruments... 

Electronic and instrument shop. This shop is planned to serrice health physics instruments, radio equipment, alarm system, intercommunication system, etc. This includes all equipment directly under the jurisdiction of the AEC. Servicing of reactor, process, and experimental instruments will be handled by the operating contractor of each particular reactor project. 

Personnel Monitoring and Laboratory Services Department Health Physics Instrumentation, Health Physics Training... 

Li, is a common reaction employed in neutron detectors, and these detectors are especially sensitive to slow neutrons because of large thermal neutron cross section of B -°. Another neutron detecting scheme using secondary charged particles to ionize the gas is the fission counter. Here, fission fragments do the ionizing and this detector type is also primarily sensitive to slow neutrons. Most detectors used in reactors and health physics instruments detect slow neutrons by one of the above (or similar) reactions. 

Match the best choice of portable health physics instruments in the numbered column on the right column with the characteristic or situation in the left column. Items in right column may be used more or less than once. 

Ensuring that power is available for essential equipment, instrumentation, including health physics instruments, and protection systems. 

A. 1206. The health physics facilities and equipment, such as laboratories for radioactive analysis, contamination control equipment and decontamination facilities, shall be described, including the location of these facilities, as well as the arrangements for maintenance and calibration of health physics instruments and for personnel monitoring (e.g. film badge and thermoluminescent dosimetry service). 

Instrumentation for Occupational and Environmental Monitoring, Health Physics, 26 145-163 (1974). 

Estimation of the detection limit of the measurement instrument in the time period available for counting, linked with the required detectable concentration and the expected concentration of the radionuclide to be determined, guides selection of sample size for the analysis. Calculation of the minimum detectable activity is discussed in Section 10.4.2. Additional documents of interest are Altshuler and Pasternack (1963), Pasternack and Harley (1971), and Currie (1968). The terms minimum detectable concentration and lower limit of detection also have widespread use. A document that addresses these and other topics pertinent to radiation monitoring and measurement was developed by a committee of the Health Physics Society (EPA 1980a). 

A9.3.5 Shielding. The exposure hazards in the shuttle system will be from activation of the propellant gas or the sample and carrier. Computations indicate that no permanent shielding will be required to satisfy health physics requirements, and temporary shielding will be adequate when needed to provide instrument background ... 

The shift teams at all nuclear stations are supported by technical experts. The Shift Manager is therefore able to call for specialist advice outside his own team. This may be in the Mechanical, Electrical, Control and Instrumentation, Chemistry, Operational Performance (physics) or Health Physics fields. A system exists whereby the Shift Manager can gain advice during the out-of-hours period, thus covering the full 24-hour period of operation. 

Health physics—A scientific field that focuses on protection of humans and the environment from radiation. Health physics uses physics, biology, chemistry, statistics, and electronic instrumentation to help protect individuals from any damaging effects of radiation. 

UWNR OTM, Health Physics III, Section A, Use of Survey Instruments General ... 

A health physics operations office, including testing and calibration facihties for radiological instruments and protective equipment ... 

Occupational Safety Health Piping Instrumentation Diagram Physical Equipment Class... 

Mental and physical health professionals may consider referring clients and patients to a music therapist for a number of reasons. It seems a particularly good choice for the social worker who is coordinating a client s case. Music therapists use music to establish a relationship with the patient and to improve the patient s health, using highly structured musical interactions. Patients and therapists may sing, play instruments, dance, compose, or simply listen to music. 

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