Canberra Ultraradiac PRD (Use and Operation)

Summary

This video explains the usage of the Canberra Ultradiac Personal Radiation Detector Dosimeter, a key piece of hazmat detection equipment used to monitor ionizing radiation, specifically gamma radiation. The device is crucial for first responders to detect radiation in incidents such as hazardous material spills, suspicious packages, or explosions. The video covers the operation of the device, its features like alarm levels, and its limitations (e.g., it does not detect alpha or beta radiation). The process for setting up, using, and maintaining the device, including battery storage and alarm clearing, is also demonstrated.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canberra Ultradiac Personal Radiation Detector is used for detecting ionizing radiation, specifically gamma radiation, in hazardous situations.
• 😀 This device is kept in the engine's cab inside a black plastic case and is part of the hazmat detection equipment.
• 😀 The primary purpose of the detector is to identify radiation, as radiation cannot be detected by sight or smell.
• 😀 The detector is essential when responding to incidents involving hazardous materials, suspicious packages, or transportation accidents.
• 😀 The detector works by providing a dose rate that adjusts based on the presence of radiation, helping responders gauge the level of threat.
• 😀 The device only detects gamma radiation and cannot detect alpha or beta radiation, which means the presence of these types cannot be ruled out entirely.
• 😀 The device has an auto-adjustment scale that changes from the ‘UR’ scale to ‘MR’ and ‘R’ depending on the radiation level.
• 😀 There are low and high rate alarm thresholds: 100 µR/h for low, and 100 mR/h for high. The device will trigger alarms if these thresholds are exceeded.
• 😀 The detector provides both audible and visual alarms when radiation levels exceed preset thresholds, aiding in quick identification of hazardous areas.
• 😀 When not in use, the batteries (four AAA batteries) must be removed to prevent corrosion and equipment failure, ensuring longevity and readiness.
• 😀 In the event of an alarm, the detector can be cleared by pressing a button, allowing responders to continue monitoring the environment.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Canberra Ultratradiac Personal Radiation Detector Dosimeter?

The Canberra Ultratradiac is used to detect ionizing radiation, specifically gamma radiation, which cannot be detected by sight or smell. It is an essential tool for detecting radiation in hazardous materials situations, such as transportation accidents, suspicious packages, or unknown incidents involving radiation.

Why is the battery stored separately from the Ultratradiac device?

The batteries are stored separately from the Ultratradiac to prevent corrosion of the battery compartment, which could lead to equipment failure. The batteries are kept in a separate area inside the black case to ensure the device functions properly.

How does the Ultratradiac work in detecting radiation?

The Ultratradiac works by detecting gamma radiation and displaying the dose rate on its screen. It uses a scale that starts from 'uR' (microroentgens) and can scale up to 'r' (roentgens) depending on the intensity of the radiation detected.

What types of radiation can the Ultratradiac detect?

The Ultratradiac is designed to detect gamma radiation only. It cannot detect alpha or beta particles because these cannot penetrate the device's construction.

What is the difference between the dose rate and dose readings on the Ultratradiac?

The dose rate is similar to a speedometer, indicating the intensity of radiation at any given moment, while the dose reading tracks the cumulative exposure over time. The dose rate helps detect radiation presence, while the dose reading records accumulated exposure.

What should be done if the Ultratradiac alarms go off?

If the Ultratradiac alarms go off, you should leave the area immediately to avoid exposure to harmful radiation. The alarm indicates that the radiation level has exceeded the predefined threshold, either for dose rate or cumulative dose.

What are the alarm thresholds for the Ultratradiac?

The high rate alarm triggers at 100 milliroentgens (mR) per hour, while the low rate alarm is set at 100 microroentgens (µR) per hour. The high dose alarm is triggered at 10 roentgens (R), and the low dose alarm is at 5 roentgens (R).

How can the Ultratradiac alarm be silenced?

To silence the Ultratradiac alarm, you simply press the 'clear' button. This will stop the audible alarm and reset the visual indicator while continuing to monitor radiation levels.

What should you do when you are finished using the Ultratradiac?

When done using the Ultratradiac, press the off button to turn off the device. It's important to remove the batteries to prevent any potential corrosion or malfunction, ensuring the device remains ready for future use.

What are some examples of incidents where you might use the Ultratradiac?

The Ultratradiac is useful in situations involving hazardous materials, such as transportation accidents (e.g., FedEx trucks, medical couriers), suspicious packages, explosions, or any unknown incidents where radiation exposure is a concern.