If you’re handling a gamma projector, be it coming in through your transport or coming off the rig onto the job site, the first thing you should do is perform a radiation survey. It doesn’t matter how it looks from the outside. The only way to confirm it's safe and ready is to check the dose rates yourself.
This quick guide outlines how to properly survey a loaded gamma projector before use. It's not just protocol. It's your first line of defense.
Before any radiographic work begins, a survey confirms the unit’s shielding is intact and the source is secure. Survey results help detect potential shielding issues or unintended source exposure due to internal faults, damage during transport, or source misalignment. Radiation levels must be within acceptable limits to protect you, your team, and anyone else in the area. This step is also required for regulatory compliance. Failure to conduct the survey properly can lead to operational delays, citations, or worse.
If any of your measurements exceed the limits, stop work immediately [1] [2]. Don’t assume it's safe. Notify your Radiation Safety Officer or supervisor and have the projector evaluated before it’s used, and follow your facility’s safety protocols.
Our commitment to safety extends beyond providing high-quality equipment. We want to ensure that every technician working with QSA Global products has the knowledge and skills to operate safely. Proper survey techniques are fundamental to protecting yourself and others while maximizing productivity with our radiography systems.
Note: This guide focuses on initial survey procedures only. Additional safety protocols, emergency procedures, and specific regulatory requirements may apply based on jurisdiction and facility requirements. Always consult applicable safety manuals and regulatory guidelines for complete requirements.