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A knowledge of the unit analysis and conversion process is a necessity for the RCT. It is useful for air and water sample activity calculations, contamination calculations, and many other applications.

This lesson covers contamination monitoring instruments in relation to types used, purpose for, radiation monitored, operational requirements, and specific limitations and characteristics. The RCT uses information from these monitoring instruments to identify and assess the hazards presented by contamination and establish protective requirements for work performed in contaminated areas.

Radiological control operations frequently require the RCT to use arithmetic and algebra to perform various calculations. These include scientific notation, unit analysis and conversion, radioactive decay calculations, dose rate/distance calculations, shielding calculations, stay-time calculations. A good foundation in mathematics and algebra is important to ensure that the data obtained from calculations is accurate. Accurate data is crucial to the assignment of proper radiological controls.

External exposure controls used to minimize the dose equivalent to personnel are based on the data taken with portable radiation survey instruments. An understanding of these instruments is important to ensure the data obtained are accurate and appropriate for the source of radiation. This lesson contains information about widely used portable radiation survey instruments.

"Standard first aid is applied prior to contamination control whenever it is considered to have life-saving value, or is important to the patient for relief of pain or prevention of disability. It is the obligation of all who assist a patient to render such aid within the limits of their training and qualifications."

In our work environment, one of the major concerns of radiological control is the prevention of personnel contamination. When personnel contamination has been identified, it is the responsibility of the RCTs to perform or oversee the decontamination of the individual using the best methods available. Frequently, the RCT is also required to document the decontamination effort and make any required notifications.

Many people believe "it can't happen here" or "it won't happen to me" and do not take incident response planning seriously. But, incidents do occur, and experience has shown that the best response comes from workers who have prepared themselves with a plan for dealing with incidents. Each incident may be unique and no plan can be expected to give an exact solution to every problem, but a step-by-step approach for responding to a problem will help assure an appropriate response.

The basis behind the regulations governing the packaging and shipping of radioactive material is to keep radiation and radioactive material from affecting the environment during transportation and to keep the environment from affecting the integrity of the radioactive material.

Jobs performed in restricted areas are usually approved and controlled by radiological control personnel by using administrative and procedural controls, such as Radiological Work Permits (RWPs). In addition, some jobs will require working in, or will have the potential for creating, very high radiation, contamination, or airborne radioactivity areas.

This lesson reviews Radiological Work Permits, various types of postings used in radiological areas, setting up radiological areas, access controls, and releasing of material from radiological areas.