Specifications for the purchase of the dosimeters provided for the moistureproofing of the
instruments, In spite of this precaution, however, many of the instruments tended to leak electrical charges in high humidity conditions that existed aboard ship, barge, and small boat. This
condition was aggravated by the presence of salt spray and extensive radioactive contamination
throughout the Bikini area. Dosimeters were cleansed with alcohol as much as practicable,
calibrated, and placed back in operation as soon as possible. It soon became apparent that the
reading mechanism and ion chamber needed to be separated in order to prevent contamination
of the chamber.
;
.
Approximately 33 per cent of the dosimeters became inoperative before the end of the
operation, and 30 per cent were lost dueto the fluid nature of the operations in the Bikini area,
Much improvement must be made in the present pocket dosimeters in order for an effective
dosimetry program to be handled under conditions similar to Operation Castle.
5.3.3
Records
Roughly 40 per cent of the unit activities became centered in the maintenance of JTF-7
records of radiological exposures. This consisted of over 10,174 individual exposure records,
The accuracy of the records was a reflection of the accuracy of the individual personnel sections, individual cooperation in designating proper home stations, and cooperation in returning
film badges for development and record.
Duplicate sets of exposure records for TG-7.1 and TG-7.5 were maintained at Bikini and
Eniwetok Rad-Safe centers during the operation. As a rule these records were about 36 hr
out of phase. TG-7.2 and TG-7.4 maintained operational control files within their respective
headquarters. TG-7.3 also maintained operational control records aboard each ship.
JTF-17 radiological-safety regulations directed the Rad-Safe Officer to maintain standard
type film-badge records of all Task Force personnel. It was required that records indicate the
full name, rank or rate, serial or service number, organization, home station or laboratory,
date of exposure, approximate duration of exposure in hours and minutes for Army personnel,
and remarks such as limitations on assignment because of overexposure. Upon completion of
the operation, disposition of the records was as follows:
1, A consolidated list of exposures, together with exposed film badges and control film
badges, were forwarded to the Chief, AFSWP.
2. A consolidated list of personnel exposures was forwarded to the Director, Division of
Biology and Medicine, AEC.
3. Individual records of Navy and Air Force personnel were forwarded to their unit of
peérinanent assignment for inclusion in the health record of the individual.
4, Individual records of Army military and civilian personnel were forwarded in accord-
ance with SR-40-1025-66, dated 21 April 1953, for inclusion in the individual’s field military
201 file or the civilian 201 file.
5. Individual records of AEC administered and controlled personnel weree provided to each
laboratory or agency having administrative jurisdiction over such personnel.
Final completion of records was delayed six weeks due to receipt of film badges one month
after the end of the operation from several ships of the Navy task group. The development and
recording of these badges after the dissolution of TU-7 required special arrangements with the
Health Division of LASL.
;
Difficulties were encountered in notifying Air Force units of exposures because some of
these units were disbanded shortly after the completion of the operation.
An analysis of exposures revealed that the Air Force task group had the highest percentage
of personnel exceeding 3.9 r (see text table on the next page).
5.4
RADIATION ANALYSIS SECTION
5.4.1
Introduction
1. Mission: The mission of the Radiation Analysis Section of the Laboratory Group of TU-7
was to perform radiological assays of liquids, solids, and airborne particulate matter in
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