180
15 Initial Emergency Response Efforts
Fig. 15.4 Initial scoping survey, including both radiation dose rates and other safety-related
observations
15.5.4 Radiation Safety During the Investigation
Once the initial entry has been completed and the investigation has begun, radiation
safety practices should settle into a routine as will be described in the following
chapter, with a few additions. Note, too, that in a non-emergency situation there is
no need for those entering the radiological areas to violate routine dose limits for
radiation workers or for non-radiation workers (as appropriate).
• Follow-up radiation and contamination surveys
– The initial entry will concentrate on gamma radiation dose rate because gamma
radiation can be detected at long range and it can pose an immediate danger to
life and health.
– However, other types of radiation might be present and surveys during subsequent entries should include surveys for alpha, beta, and neutron radiation as
well as identifying the gamma-emitting radionuclide(s) present.
• Evidence collection
– Radioactive contamination itself is evidence as it likely originated from one
or more sources that were used (or were to be used) in an attack. As such,
15 Initial Emergency Response Efforts
Fig. 15.4 Initial scoping survey, including both radiation dose rates and other safety-related
observations
15.5.4 Radiation Safety During the Investigation
Once the initial entry has been completed and the investigation has begun, radiation
safety practices should settle into a routine as will be described in the following
chapter, with a few additions. Note, too, that in a non-emergency situation there is
no need for those entering the radiological areas to violate routine dose limits for
radiation workers or for non-radiation workers (as appropriate).
• Follow-up radiation and contamination surveys
– The initial entry will concentrate on gamma radiation dose rate because gamma
radiation can be detected at long range and it can pose an immediate danger to
life and health.
– However, other types of radiation might be present and surveys during subsequent entries should include surveys for alpha, beta, and neutron radiation as
well as identifying the gamma-emitting radionuclide(s) present.
• Evidence collection
– Radioactive contamination itself is evidence as it likely originated from one
or more sources that were used (or were to be used) in an attack. As such,