INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION RANGE
DOE/ERSP PROCEDURENO. 18
APPROVED:
IL

DATE DRAFTED: 1 February 1978

28 February 1978 by Don R. Martin (ERSP Manager)

Purpose

To establish a standard procedure for operating the cesium-137 gamma source ranges for calibration
of field instruments.
Il,

Applicability

This procedure applies to the 100 mCi and 10 mCi cesium-137 sources used at the Enewetak
instrument trailer and to the 1 mCi cesium-137 source used at the Ursula instrumenttrailer.

II.

Responsibility

The Eberline Laboratory Manager is responsible to the ERSP to ensure that PMEL and other DOE
personnel comply with this procedure.
IV.

General

The cesium-137 test sources are to be used for the calibration of gamma and beta~gamma radiation

detectors used by the FRST and DOE personnel. A test source consists of a cesium-137 source, a

shielded container and a padlock for locking the shield plug in place. The 100 mCi and 10 mCi
sources are to be used in conjunction with the external lead shield and source handler system installed
on the ocean side of RADLAB bunker on Enewetak.
Vv.

Vi

Precautionary Measures

A.

The radioactive sources are to be used only under the direct supervision of persons
designated by the EIC Manager. Personnel designated shall be limited to the following:
EIC Manager, EIC Engineer, Air Force PMEL Supervisor at Ursula, and Air Force
Technician.

B.

Film badgeis required for all personnel using these sources.

C.

"Caution Radiation Area" signs shall be placed around calibration area and shall be
clearly visible to anyone approaching the area.

D.

Operating personnel shall wash their hands before eating or smoking after working with

E.

The source shields shall be locked at all times when calibration is not being
accomplished.

FE,

Sources shall remain in their shielded containers except for the time actual calibration
is being done. Personnel exposure shall be maintained as low as practical.

the sources.

Procedure

Prior to calibration of instruments, establish a rope around the range area with placards reading
"Caution - Radiation Area." Calibration is accomplished as follows:
A.

Place the source in its shielded container at the required location. Make the necessary
calculations to determine the present intensity of the source and distance

A-18-1

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