Special requirements for laboratory

Beta counting is not isotope specific. It requires relatively simple equipment. A gas-flow anti-coincidence counter with 10 cm lead shielding is frequently used, giving background values of 0.15-0.20 cpm for a source of 25 mm diameter (Ris0 National Laboratory, Ros-kilde, Denmark). It is the preferred method for Th, can be used with non-destructive techniques (Sections 13.6.2.2 and 13.6.3.2), and can be used on-board ship. 

Alpha scintillation is used for the detection of radioactive radon isotopes (Section 13.8.5.1). 

Liquid scintillation has been used with success as an alternative method for Th determination Pates et al, 1992 Kersten et al, 1998). 

ICP-MS is being used with increasing success for nuclides with half-lives of approximately 10 years (Klinkhammer and Palmer, 1991), and Th Shaw and 

Francois, 1991) and methods are being developed for Pa Francois, personal communication). 

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Container sampling procedures and safeguarding general drum and container handling procedures including special requirement for laboratory waste packs, shock-sensitive wastes, and radioactive wastes. 

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