3.3
TASK GROUP INDOCTRINATION
The misconceptions of radiation hazards that are retained by the average individual make
a reasonable approach to radiological safety difficult. The need for an over-all indoctrination
of TG-7.1 and TG-7.5 personne! became apparent early in the planning of the radiation-safety
program. The objective of this inductrination was to inform everyone of the nature of the hazard in order that operational efficiency might be maintained in the presence of radioactive
materials. The first step in the indoctrination was the presentation of a series of films at the
motion-picture theater. These films, shown on all screens at Bikini and Eniwetok, covered the
basic physics of an atomic bomb, effects of an atomic-bomb explosion, self-preservation in an
atomic-bomb attack, and the medical aspects of nuclear radiation. The viewers appreciated
this informal form of instruction and retained the fundamental knowledge throughout the operation.
The second step was a series of informal discussions of the radiation-safety program between task unit personnel, representatives of H&N supervisory personnel, helicopter pilots,
and H&N laundry personnel. In all cases these discussions improved relations with the various organizations,
3.4
PUBLICATIONS-
An effective radiological-safety operation would be a test operation in which all participants understood the fundamentals of the program of protection from radioactivity. An initial
effort to accomplish this objective was made in the summer of 1953 through the assemblage of
a publication called the “Field Monitors Manual.” The origin of this thought is attributed to the
publication of the LASL Health Division handbook entitled “General Monitoring Handbook.”
Wide dissemination of the information in the manual was encouraged in order that all members
of the operation might perform their appropriate duties without fear and with maximum safety.
The manual covered the concept of radioactivity, fission products, and characteristics of
bomb debris. A chapter on health hazards discussed chemical and biochemical effects of direct
ionization, impairment of health by radiation, and maximum permissible concentrations of
fission products and alpha emitters in air and water. A third presented radiation detectors,
with sections on theory, ionization chambers, and dosimetry. A fourth chapter covered general
monitoring, aerial survey, water monitoring, and alpha and neutron monitoring. Thé final chapter, on decontamination, discussed the nature of radioactive contamination and the general
principles of decontamination, i.e., removal of radioactive dust, surface washing, chemical
solution, and procedures for the decontamination of fission products from surfaces of steel,
wood, plastic, and skin.
Appendixes of the manual presented the radiological-safety plan and regulations, summary
of responsibilities, monitor’s check list, and glossary of terms.
To continue contact with the scattered project monitors, the Unit also published a series of
radiological-safety bulletins covering protective techniques for laboratory workers, clearance
procedures, ‘and administrative notes for record maintenance.
This practice of dissemination of information through publication proved most essential in
the widely decentralized operations of Operation Castle.
3.5
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.5.1
Conclusions
1. Radiological-safety indoctrination must be carried to all levels so long as the possi-
bility of exposure of all personnel exists. Too many fundamental decisions may be affected by
improper concepts of radiation hazards.
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