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Re: RADSAFE, literacy, etc.



Come on folks.  We are spending a significant amount of time worrying about
a very insignificant number of "stupid" questions.  It's rad related.  Let
them ask.  Learn to use the delete button.

Bob Denne
ATG, Richland
----- Original Message -----
From: Lester Slaback <Lester.Slaback@NIST.GOV>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Sent: Thursday, September 02, 1999 7:00 AM
Subject: RADSAFE, literacy, etc.


> I do not intend to start another thread which will bug the multitude of
> uninterested RADSAFErs, BUT...
> A certain level of scientific competency is presumed of folks who
> participate in a forum like RADSAFE.  While the presumption that there is
> no stupid question is a given, taken to the extreme it would destroy this,
> or any other, forum.  RADSAFE certainly can serve as a starting point
> resource, i.e., as a plea for help, for those who do not have an extensive
> background in the radiological area but hopefully responses would be taken
> off-line by the expert RADSAFE responder given the presumed indifference
of
> the rest of the community to this level of discussion.
>
> Simple dimensional conversions that do not involve any Quantity
> translations, e.g., feet to meters, dps to Ci, Ci to Bq, would seem to be
> part of the presumed literacy to participate in RADSAFE (at least for the
> vast majority - the forum can survive a few special cases).  As such (if I
> can say so as mildly as possible so as not to stir up lots of replies) I
> have to agree with Ms. Case, a Ci to Bq conversion program is a clear case
> of technological excess, as were the specialized calculators to convert
> feet to meters, oz to lbs, oz to grams, milliliters to liters, etc.  But
it
> is also obvious from the previous messages that opinions vary as to the
> point of technical trivialness.  Perhaps someone can generate a
trivialness
> scale to obtain a consensus assessment.  :-)
>
> As a counter example the series of messages on DoT packaging is a great
> example of learning from RADSAFE, at least for those involved in that
> aspect of HP.
> Disclaimer:  the above are the personal musings of the author, and do not
> represent any past, present, or future position of NIST, the U.S.
government,
> or anyone else who might think that they are in a position of authority.
> Lester Slaback, Jr.  [Lester.Slaback@NIST.GOV]
> NBSR Health Physics
> Center for Neutron Research
> NIST
> 100 Bureau Dr.  STOP 3543
> Gaithersburg, MD  20899-3543
> 301 975-5810 voice
> 301 921-9847 fax
> ************************************************************************
> The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
> information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html

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The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html