When setting out an attempt to replicate a contaminated individual using the STS system there are some general points to remember which should help to produce as realistic a scenario as possible.
Having set up the subject for monitoring, an appropriate STS Simulator may be used to monitor/detect contamination simulant. STS 800 series includes both meters with cabled probes and integrated units such as the RamGene. All devices work on the same principle that the monitoring must be conducted slowly, methodically and within 1cm of the surface- in this instance the clothing. Moving the probe too quickly/too far away from the surface results in contamination being missed. Trainees should be shown correct method prior to the procedure and the trainer should highlight mistakes where known contaminated areas have been missed by poor monitoring.
LS1 Simulant acts in the same way as radioactive contaminant, it can easily be shown, thus at the end of a monitoring procedure, the instrument itself may have become contaminated by being in contact with the suit or person monitoring that may have met with some contamination.
Having established that the subject is contaminated, your approved disrobing procedure should be followed (simulant will cross contaminate any interaction between the suit/gloves/face mask etc being removed and the person removing them). After removing suit and other items, the person can again be monitored as to see if cross contamination has occurred. Clearly at this point areas such as hands or wrists are more likely to have encountered with the outside of the suit. Once a final removal of clothing is undertaken (in which disrobing has taken place) may now have also become contaminated e.g. tables/chairs etc can be checked to identify if any material has been transferred. If it has been, simulant may be recovered using wipes/cloths, then again be rechecked to ensure removal and showing how the cleaning materials are now also contaminated.
Customers like the concept of both the contamination simulators as well as the dose rate simulators.
We have been working with STS for a number of years and we value our relationship with them. They continue to be an important supplier in the provision of services and solutions, to support our work in radiation monitoring in a secure and safe environment.
A lecturer in applied physics and in radiation protection at Aix Marseille University in France. I have been using STS products for 6 years, and I highly recommend them. Easy to use and very realistic…
The equipment we purchased has been brilliant and has made a real difference to some of the training we are doing here at Dungeness B Power Station. Further to this, you managed to meet our tight time frames, and get this equipment to us in such a short space of time which was exceptional service and is truly appreciated, thank you!
