Basic Radiological Dose Estimation Field Guide - Radiation Surveying and Sampling, Data Interpretation, Contamination Control, Soil Sampling (Ringbound)

This ringbound book provides a reproduction of the important technical guide from the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM), Basic Radiological Dose Estimation, A Field Guide, TG-236A. Traditional nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) doctrine was developed to address radiological conditions, such as the use of nuclear weapons, on the battlefield that might lead to degradation of mission performance of soldiers or units. Recently, as the United States has become more involved in support and stability operations (SASO), concern regarding the potential long-term health hazards of deployment has risen among the troops and the leadership. In response to this concern, the medical community has developed ways to detect, assess, and record potential health risks. This guide focuses on estimating the exposure to external ionizing radiation. External ionizing radiation may be used as a rough guide to address potential health risk from ionizing radiation exposure. Purpose, scope, and audience - Chapter 1 presents a basic overview of the reasons for creating this technical guide, the intended audience, the scope of the guide, the expected results of an assessment, personnel requirements, and disclaimers or limitations of the entire assessment process. Health and safety - Health and safety in relation to performing a Level 1 assessment are discussed in Chapter 2. The chapter is intended to remind the user to be aware of all potential hazards in the field not just radiological hazards. In this chapter there are reminders to alert the user to specific threats that may be found in the field. Guidance for the user experienced in general surveying and sampling is given in Chapter 3. Checklists and datasheets are included for fast review so that the experienced user can start on an assessment. Planning for radiation surveying and sampling - Chapter 4 provides general guidance on radiation surveying and sampling for a Level 1 assessment. The chapter offers information on the basic supplies for sampling and surveying, selecting and setting up the survey unit, background measurements, instrumentation, and quality assurance. How to interpret the data - Tables, equations (if needed), and guidance are found in Chapter 5. With the information in Chapter 5, the user should be able to evaluate the field data in a timely manner and communicate the results to the Command staff. How to handle radioactive contamination - Contamination control procedures are covered in Chapter 6including instructions on setting up a monitoring station, frisking and decontaminating people and equipment. The AN/PDR-77 and the AN/VDR-2 - Chapter 7 is devoted to the care and use of these RADIAC meters. Sampling and sample management during collection - While doing the surveying and sampling of the survey unit, the user needs to be aware of the precautions needed to ensure proper sample quality and integrity. The guidance in Chapter 8 provides the user with enough information to collect soil samples, avoid cross-contamination, pack and label samples, establish and maintain chain-of-custody, and prepare the samples to be taken from the survey unit for further handling. Getting the samples ready to be shipped to a laboratory - Once the samples have been collected, labeled, and had all the proper papers filled out, they need to be shipped to a laboratory for analysis. Most of the information required for preparing samples for shipping to a CONUS or OCONUS laboratory can be found in Chapter 9. The user must be aware of the current national, international, Army, DOD, transportation regulations as this document cannot be updated every time a regulation changes. Actually digging dirt or sampling soil - Chapter 10 summarizes NATO guidance on collecting soil samples. It is not a substitute for onsite expertise.