reactor radiation surveys

[Andrew Karam <karam.1@osu.edu>]

Many thanks to all who responded to my query.  To summarize the responses I
have received:

Periodic rad level surveys are required to be performed during reactor
operations.  The required periodicity ranges from daily to annually.
Neutron surveys (of course) must be performed during reactor operations.  

At least one survey annually should be done at full power

Surveys performed with the reactor shut down are useful indicators of
background and/or activation products

Use of automatic area monitors is common and, although they do not
eliminate the need for surveys, area monitors are often depended on to
indicate potential problems

Operations that may change radiation fields should require a survey (ie
opening beam ports, moving shielding blocks, removing activated materials)


Thanks again for the prompt, informative help!

Andy

The opinions expressed above are well-reasoned and insightful.  Needless to
say, they are not those of my employer. (with apologies to Michael Feldman)		

Andrew Karam, MS, CHP					(614) 292-1284 (phone)
The Ohio State University 					(614) 292-7002 (fax)
Office of Radiation Safety					"The mind is not a vessel to
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Columbus, OH  43212						lighted." (Plutarch)	   
(karam.1@osu.edu)