13.6 Other Factors to Consider During an Interdiction/Investigation
139
Initial entry into a radiological area
Ideally, the initial entry into a radiological area should be made by radiation
safety professionals; if there is the possibility that explosives or other hazardous
materials might be present then the room should also be cleared by a bomb
technician, hazardous materials technician, or another worker with the relevant
skills.
If the person in charge feels that the situation requires an immediate entry,
one technique that is taught is to enter the room and survey in a “Z” pattern,
making five quick radiation measurements (one in each corner and one in the
center). The person performing the survey should be dressed in appropriate
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and should avoid touching or handling
anything seen in the room. At each survey location the person conducting the
survey should wait about 30 s for their meter readings to stabilize and then
tell the person recording information (by voice, phone, or radio) the survey
location and instrument reading as well as the location and nature of any other
possible hazards or items of interest. As soon as the final data point is surveyed
the surveyor should exit the room as quickly as possible. Upon exit, personnel
present should review the survey map and data, using that information to plan
their next entry (Fig. 13.4).
Fig. 13.4 Example of the “Z” pattern initial scoping survey
139
Initial entry into a radiological area
Ideally, the initial entry into a radiological area should be made by radiation
safety professionals; if there is the possibility that explosives or other hazardous
materials might be present then the room should also be cleared by a bomb
technician, hazardous materials technician, or another worker with the relevant
skills.
If the person in charge feels that the situation requires an immediate entry,
one technique that is taught is to enter the room and survey in a “Z” pattern,
making five quick radiation measurements (one in each corner and one in the
center). The person performing the survey should be dressed in appropriate
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and should avoid touching or handling
anything seen in the room. At each survey location the person conducting the
survey should wait about 30 s for their meter readings to stabilize and then
tell the person recording information (by voice, phone, or radio) the survey
location and instrument reading as well as the location and nature of any other
possible hazards or items of interest. As soon as the final data point is surveyed
the surveyor should exit the room as quickly as possible. Upon exit, personnel
present should review the survey map and data, using that information to plan
their next entry (Fig. 13.4).
Fig. 13.4 Example of the “Z” pattern initial scoping survey