15.5 Radiation Safety at the Crime Scene(s)
179
15.5.3 Initial Entry
The team performing the initial entry should consist of the smallest number of people
who can perform the required tasks. While a single person might be able do so, for
safety reasons a two-person team is preferred when possible unless the room is small
(e.g. a shipping container, storage area, or room of comparable size). For a two-person
team, each person’s duties might include:
Data collector monitors radiation dose rates at each of the five survey locations
(from the “Z-pattern survey” described below) and notes other risks and significant
safety information (e.g. the presence of chemical containers, spilled powders or
liquids, injured or deceased persons, signs of fire, explosion, corrosion, locations of
boxes, backpacks, suitcases, and other potential hiding places, evidence of possible
biological agents, and any other information regarding potential safety concerns
during the investigation.
Recorder writes down each observation, including the radiation dose rates at each
survey location and the location of all potential risks and objects of interest noted by
the data collector.
Upon completion of the initial radiation scoping survey the entry team will exit the
area through the entry/exit corridor, removing their PPE and surveying themselves
for contamination and decontaminating as necessary. After the entry team has cleared
the survey and decontamination station the entire team will review the radiological
data and other observations that were noted and will determine the course of their
subsequent investigation, including both a more detailed radiological survey and
appropriate methods for neutralizing, removing, or working around the hazards noted.
The radiation safety practices followed during the initial entry are fairly straightforward and are similar to those described in the following chapter for working
in the RDD Hot Zone. The primary difference is that, at a location where terrorists
might have been producing explosives for a radiological weapon—and possibly other
WMD as well—all materials, containers, bags, furniture, cupboards, drawers, and
so forth must be assumed to contain dangerous materials and to be booby-trapped in
some manner until proven otherwise (Fig. 15.4).
In this graphic, the person conducting data collection enters the room and travels
quickly to each of five survey points—all four corners of the room and the center. At
each location they report the radiation dose rate measured and then proceed quickly
to the next location, noting other observations (e.g. presence of chemical spills and
containers). In the example shown here, the readings suggest that a radioactive source
is located along the back wall of the room and a second entry would be performed to
determine the precise location. Once located and photographed, the source should be
removed or shielded so that another survey can be conducted to look for the presence
of additional sources.
179
15.5.3 Initial Entry
The team performing the initial entry should consist of the smallest number of people
who can perform the required tasks. While a single person might be able do so, for
safety reasons a two-person team is preferred when possible unless the room is small
(e.g. a shipping container, storage area, or room of comparable size). For a two-person
team, each person’s duties might include:
Data collector monitors radiation dose rates at each of the five survey locations
(from the “Z-pattern survey” described below) and notes other risks and significant
safety information (e.g. the presence of chemical containers, spilled powders or
liquids, injured or deceased persons, signs of fire, explosion, corrosion, locations of
boxes, backpacks, suitcases, and other potential hiding places, evidence of possible
biological agents, and any other information regarding potential safety concerns
during the investigation.
Recorder writes down each observation, including the radiation dose rates at each
survey location and the location of all potential risks and objects of interest noted by
the data collector.
Upon completion of the initial radiation scoping survey the entry team will exit the
area through the entry/exit corridor, removing their PPE and surveying themselves
for contamination and decontaminating as necessary. After the entry team has cleared
the survey and decontamination station the entire team will review the radiological
data and other observations that were noted and will determine the course of their
subsequent investigation, including both a more detailed radiological survey and
appropriate methods for neutralizing, removing, or working around the hazards noted.
The radiation safety practices followed during the initial entry are fairly straightforward and are similar to those described in the following chapter for working
in the RDD Hot Zone. The primary difference is that, at a location where terrorists
might have been producing explosives for a radiological weapon—and possibly other
WMD as well—all materials, containers, bags, furniture, cupboards, drawers, and
so forth must be assumed to contain dangerous materials and to be booby-trapped in
some manner until proven otherwise (Fig. 15.4).
In this graphic, the person conducting data collection enters the room and travels
quickly to each of five survey points—all four corners of the room and the center. At
each location they report the radiation dose rate measured and then proceed quickly
to the next location, noting other observations (e.g. presence of chemical spills and
containers). In the example shown here, the readings suggest that a radioactive source
is located along the back wall of the room and a second entry would be performed to
determine the precise location. Once located and photographed, the source should be
removed or shielded so that another survey can be conducted to look for the presence
of additional sources.