TOPIC 4: Gauge Condition

Let’s explore gauge condition.

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Are the signs OK?

• Caution: Radioactive Materials
• Caution: Radiation Area (at 2 mR/hour level)

Is the gauge secure?

• Check for cables or chains
• Check for locks
• Are there 2 locks between the public and the gauge?

Shutter

• Is the shutter opened or closed?

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Gauge Conditions

• Outside appearance (rust)
• Shutter work?
• Label readable
• Environmental conditions
• Classify status of gauge:  GOOD, FAIR, POOR

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• Evaluate the environment and overall condition of the gauge
• These are SUGGESTED categories.  Licensee to develop their own conditions
• Since multiple personnel may be involved in the inventory, having a common notation is encouraged and noted, such as follows:

GOOD Everything is satisfactory.

FAIR* Some work is needed (some rust, shutter getting sticky, label is getting difficult to read).  RSO to issue task order to remedy this before next inventory.

POOR* Lot of work needed (excessive rust, shutter very problematic, metal label is unreadable).  RSO needs to remedy within 90 days.

*Notation by Authorized User of the problem is necessary.

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Gauge Survey

• Turn on survey meter, battery check, calibration
• Place on highest scale
• Take readings on 4 sides of device
• At contact
• At one foot
• If > 2 mR/hr at the “Caution-Radiation Area posting, notify RSO
• Use Survey form as follows

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If your regulator requires a survey of a gauge at a periodic frequency, a form such as this can be used.

Go to the AEC-RADIATION.COM website to download the form.