Standardisation of radiation portal monitor controls and readouts.
There is an urgent need to standardise the numbering configuration of radiation portal monitor sensing panels. Currently, manufacturers use conflicting numbering schemes that may confuse operators of these varied systems. There is a similar problem encountered with the varied choices of coloured indicator lights and coloured print lines designated for gamma and neutron alarms. In addition, second-party software that changes the alarm colour scheme may also have been installed. Furthermore, no provision exists for the colour blind or to provide work stations with only black ink on alarm printouts. These inconsistencies and confusing set-ups could inadvertently cause a misinterpretation of the alarm, resulting in the potential release of a radiological hazard into a sovereign country. These issues are discussed, and a proposed solution is offered.
Tinker
M
M
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA. mike.tinker@pnl.gov
D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009502:Neutrons; D054043:Nuclear Weapons; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011835:Radiation Protection; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000517:prevention & control; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D012015:Reference Standards; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D023481:Terrorism