Mobile radiology laboratory. Radiation laboratory What is radiological contamination

Issues of radiological safety are currently quite acute, and therefore radiological research is mandatory when monitoring the environmental condition of agricultural lands, territories of settlements and industrial zones, when conducting engineering surveys for construction in order to identify sources of radiation contamination and prevent negative impacts radiation on human health.

Our Center's specialists conduct radiological studies using modern radiometers and spectrometers.

During a radiation survey of the territory, the following radiological studies are performed:

• dosimetric monitoring, during which gamma-ray survey of the area is carried out;
• background values ​​of equivalent dose rate of the territory;
• areas of radioactive contamination, their scale and composition of contamination are identified;
• sampling of radiation monitoring samples from objects and subsequent laboratory spectrometric measurement of the content (specific activity) of radionuclides in soils and soils is carried out;
• The radon flux density from the soil surface, in pits and in the air of buildings located on the construction site is measured, and the potential radon hazard of the surveyed area/building is assessed.

Based on the data obtained, conclusions are drawn about the compliance or non-compliance of the studied indicators with the requirements of regulatory documents (NRB-99/2009, OSPORB-99/2010, etc.).

What is radiological contamination?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous transformation (decay) of the atomic nuclei of some chemical elements, leading to a change in their atomic number and mass number. Such chemical elements are called radionuclides. Atoms of the same element having different mass numbers are called isotopes.

Naturally occurring radioactive substances are widely distributed in nature. Their radiation creates a natural radiation background of external irradiation. The natural radioactivity of soils is mainly due to the content of uranium, radium, thorium and the isotope potassium-40. Usually in soils they are in a highly dispersed state and distributed relatively evenly.
Activity is a measure of the amount of radioactive substance expressed by the number of radioactive transformations per unit of time. The unit of activity is one nuclear transformation per second. In the SI system this unit is called the becquerel (Bq). Until recently, a special (non-systemic) unit of activity was widely used - the curie (Ci): 1 Cu = 3.7 1010 nuclear transformations per second. The relationship between the indicated units of activity: 1 Bq ~ 2.7 1011 Cu. During radiological monitoring of natural objects, specific activity is determined, which characterizes the activity of a radionuclide per unit mass or volume of the sample.

The development of life on Earth has always occurred in the presence of a natural radioactive background. Its sources are cosmic radiation and natural radionuclides (RNN). soils As a result of human activity, artificial radionuclides appeared in the biosphere, and the amount of natural radionuclides extracted from the bowels of the Earth with oil, coal, gas, and ores increased. The problem of global contamination of soils and soils with radioactive isotopes of some elements arose with the development of the nuclear industry and testing of nuclear and thermonuclear weapons.

Particularly significant radioactive contamination of soils, soils and the biosphere as a whole occurs during emergency situations.

Radioactive contamination of soils in landscapes and ecosystems is currently caused mainly by two radionuclides: cesium-137 and strontium-90. Therefore, the gross content of research objects is determined, first of all, by them. In soils of long-term intensive agroecosystems, in addition, the gross amount of potassium-40 is determined.

Cesium-137 is a beta and gamma emitter with a maximum beta energy of 1.76 MeV and T1/2 = 30.17 years. The high mobility of cesium-137 is determined by the fact that it is a radioisotope of an alkaline element.

Strontium-90 has a half-life of 28.1 years and is a beta emitter with a maximum energy of 0.544 MeV. It is considered one of the most biologically mobile. The fixation and distribution of this radionuclide in the soil is mainly determined by the patterns of behavior of the isotopic carrier - stable strontium, as well as the chemical analogue - stable calcium.

Potassium-40 is a beta emitter with an energy of 1.32 MeV and T1/2 = 1.28 109 years. Each gram of natural potassium contains 27 Bq of potassium-40. In the process of human economic activity, the flows of this radionuclide in the components of the biosphere increase - an additional 6.2 1016 Bq of potassium-40 is involved in the natural cycle. With an average application rate of potassium fertilizers of 60 kg/ha, potassium-40 1.35 106 Bq/kg enters the soil (Aleksakhin et al., 1992).
The most dangerous pollutants of agroecosystems - long-lived radionuclides - cesium-137 and strontium-90 require special attention. Their share in the mixture of fission products increases over time. Being included in the biological chain “soil - plant - animal - human”, they have a damaging effect on human health. The “Cesium period” will last about 300 years.

The main criterion characterizing the degree of radioecological safety of a person living in a contaminated area is the average annual effective dose. The unit of effective dose is the sievert (Sv). To assess the general consequences of exposure of the population in the case of living in a contaminated area, the collective effective dose is used, which is the product of the average effective dose for a group of people by the number of individuals in this group. The International Commission on Radiological Medicine has recommended a dose equal to 1 mSv/year (0.1 rem/year) as a limit for the radiation dose to the population.

The main routes of human exposure that must be taken into account when estimating actual effective doses include: external exposure from gamma-emitting radionuclides in a radioactive cloud, external exposure from aerosol and particulate fallout, internal exposure through food chains and through inhalation. Our laboratory carries out radiological analysis of soil according to modern standards, we accept applications by phone and from the website.

Radiation safety criteria

How are radiological examinations carried out?

Determination of NRN in the soil of areas allocated for construction is carried out by gamma spectrometric analysis of samples. Soil and ground samples are taken using special samplers, as well as when drilling geotechnical wells.

Sampling and processing of samples and determination of the isotopic composition of radionuclide concentrations must be carried out in laboratories accredited for this type of work.

Route gamma survey of the territory should be carried out with the simultaneous use of search dosimeters-radiometers and dosimeters. Dosimeters-radiometers are used in the “Search” mode to detect areas (points) of radiation anomalies. Dosimeters are used to measure DER at control points (grid with a step of no more than 10x15 m). Measurements are carried out at a height of 0.1 m above the soil surface, as well as in geotechnical wells - gamma ray logging.

The equivalent dose rate (EDR) of external gamma radiation should not exceed 0.3 μSv/hour. Areas where the actual EDR level exceeds that determined by the natural gamma background are considered anomalous. In zones of identified gamma background anomalies, the intervals between control points should be consistently reduced to the size necessary to delineate zones with an DER level > 0.3 µSv/hour.

In such areas, in order to assess the value of the annual effective dose, the specific activities of man-made radionuclides in the soil must be determined and, in agreement with the state sanitary and epidemiological supervision authorities, the issue of the need for additional research or decontamination measures must be resolved.

If a radiation anomaly with DER > 0.3 μSv/h or higher is detected, special services must be informed.

The radon hazard of an area is determined by the density of radon flux from the ground surface and its concentration in the air of nearby already constructed buildings and structures. Measurement of radon flux density is carried out at control points located at the nodes of a rectangular grid with a step determined taking into account the potential radon hazard of the area (20x10, 10x15, 50x25), but not less than 10 points per area.

Radon flux density is measured on the surface of the soil, the bottom of a pit or at the bottom level of the foundation of a building. It is not allowed to take measurements on the surface of ice or on areas flooded with water.

Radon flux density is measured by exposing storage chambers with radon sorbent at control points, followed by determining the flux value using radiometric installations based on the activity of beta or gamma radiation from daughter products of radon absorbed by the sorbent.
Based on the data obtained, the class of required radon protection of the building is calculated.
The results of radiation-ecological surveys are presented in the form of a technical report.

The report includes the following materials and data:

• site plan indicating the DER at control points;
• results of work on gamma survey, determination of NRN in the soil, assessment of the radon hazard of the site;
• a conclusion on the radiation safety of this site, and, if necessary, recommendations for improving the safety level.

Mobile laboratory - inside view

A radiation laboratory (synonym: radiological laboratory, radioisotope laboratory, radiological department) is a specially equipped room for work using sources of ionizing radiation. Designed for research work, radioisotope diagnostics and radiation therapy. In research institutions, a radiation laboratory is often referred to as a laboratory where research in the field of radiobiology is carried out.

The construction and operation of radiation laboratories in institutions of the USSR Ministry of Health is regulated by the rules for working with radioactive substances. The rules, depending on the physical properties of the sources used (half-life, type and energy of radiation of the isotope), the form of use of the isotope (open or closed source), its radiotoxicity, activity levels during work, the type of work with radiation sources, determine a set of protective measures that exclude exceeding established maximum permissible doses of radiation (MAD) and maximum permissible concentrations (MAC) of radioactive substances in the air of working premises, in the water of open reservoirs and water supply sources, as well as in the air of sanitary protection zones and populated areas.

Radiation laboratories designed to work with open sources of ionizing radiation are divided into 3 classes in accordance with operating conditions. The classification is based on the radiotoxicity group of the isotope being worked with and the level of radioactivity in the workplace.

Based on radiotoxicity, radioactive isotopes are conventionally divided into 4 groups. Group A includes isotopes of particularly high radiotoxicity (for example, Ra 226, Sr 90, Po 210, etc.), group B - isotopes of high radiotoxicity (among them, Ca 45, J 131, often used in medicine), group B - isotopes moderate radiotoxicity (for example, S 36, Au 198, etc.); to group G - isotopes of the least radiotoxicity (for example, tritium, C 14, etc.). In medical institutions, radiation laboratories usually belong to the second class. For such radiation laboratories, the maximum levels of radioactivity (in mCuries) at workplaces are established: for isotopes of group A - 0.01 - 10, group B - 0.1 - 100, group C - 1 - 1000, group D - 10-10,000 Based on the annual consumption of open radioactive sources (in curies), radiation laboratories are divided into three categories: I - more than 100, II - from 10 to 100, III - up to 10. Radiation laboratories of medical institutions most often belong to category III.

The least stringent requirements are imposed on laboratories using radioactive substances in trace amounts in experimental studies. If the total amount of radioactivity (in microcuries) during operation does not exceed for substances of group A - 0.1, group B - 1.0, group B - 10 and group D - 100, then no special premises are provided for the placement of such radiation laboratories, and They are subject to the same requirements as conventional chemical laboratories.

Radiation laboratories that use radioactive substances for the purpose of radioisotope diagnostics consist of a storage and packaging area of ​​18-20 m2, a washing room of at least 10 m2, a treatment room of at least 10 m2, and a sanitary inspection room (for personnel). In accordance with the nature of the work, they specify the requirements for the decoration of premises, ventilation, sewerage, lighting, heating, as well as for equipping radiation laboratories with protective and special equipment (boxes, dosimeters, radiometers). Radiation laboratories in which open radioactive sources are used for radiation treatment must be an isolated compartment or a separate building built according to a special design.

In medical institutions where sealed radioactive sources are used, lighting, heating, sewerage and ventilation must meet the general standards and requirements established for medical institutions. It is necessary to provide protective measures and constant dosimetric monitoring of radiation doses at workplaces, in adjacent rooms, and at the bedside of patients (see Dosimetry of ionizing radiation, Radiation protection). Special rules regulate the conditions for placing devices for gamma and radiotherapy.

The sanitary-epidemiological service system has radiological groups that are responsible for monitoring compliance with the rules for working with radioactive substances.

Radiation laboratories performing diverse functions are available in scientific institutes of various profiles, in industry, and on scientific expeditions of various types. Depending on the type of work performed in them, they can be relatively simple or very complex and expensive structures (for example, so-called hot laboratories in which they work with highly active radioactive substances).

Mobile radiology laboratory (PRL) is designed for prompt collection of information on radiological and meteorological parameters of the environmental situation on the ground and is one of the mobile means of environmental control.

PRL is a mandatory technical means at nuclear facilities, such as nuclear power plants, nuclear materials storage facilities and enterprises for nuclear fuel production.

Also, a mobile radiological laboratory can be used in the structure of special and environmental services.

Using PRL, rapid initialization of a numerical model for calculating the transfer of radionuclides in the event of an emergency is ensured.

Implemented search and discovery gamma sources, measurement of the ambient dose equivalent rate of gamma radiation, flux density of alpha and beta particles from flat contaminated surfaces, as well as prompt assessment of the specific activity of Cesium 137 in samples.

A mobile radiological laboratory is a means of high-quality and reliable processing and analysis of information, including for tracking adverse and hazardous meteorological phenomena.

The mobile laboratory is implemented using VHF, GSM, GPS technologies.

Special equipment of the radiological laboratory:

• Mobile acoustic locator (sodar).
• Dosimetric installation.
• Set of wearable dosimeters (digital wide-range wearable dosimeter).
• Portable radio spectrum analyzer.
• Handheld oscilloscope (4 isolated channels, 200 MHz bandwidth).
• VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) meter.
• Digital current measuring clamps (AC/DC voltage and current).
• Electronic counting frequency meter (for setting up, calibrating and testing the transmitting and receiving paths of electronic equipment, communication systems and other equipment).
• RLC meter (immittance meter).
• RF signal generator from 9 kHz to 2.51 GHz.
• Digital multimeter.
• Laptop.
• Walkie-talkie.
• Mobile-basic radio.
• Gasoline generator 2.3 kW.
• A set of entrenching tools and a set of automotive tools.

The mobile radiological laboratory is fully equipped with the necessary furniture. The delivery set includes a sink with water tanks. A monoblock air conditioner and an autonomous interior heater are installed.

All equipment meets safety requirements according to GOST 12.2.003-91, GOST 12.2.007.0-75, GOST 12.1.004-91.

The special vehicle can be equipped with various additional equipment at the request of the Customer.

INRUSKOM LLC is responsible for the acquisition and installation of all components of the future special vehicle, and is also engaged in the design and registration of changes in the type of vehicle with the traffic police. Our organization is an official car manufacturer and has all the necessary licenses and certificates, which gives us the right to carry out all the listed manipulations with the base chassis.

The production of special vehicles is carried out by INRUSKOM LLC in St. Petersburg. The customer can receive the finished product at the place of manufacture or at its actual location. If the car is delivered to the Customer at its location, it will be carried out under its own power. The cost of delivery of the car is negotiated separately.

The radiation laboratory of the Olympus Insurance Company provides radiation monitoring services for metals, building materials, industrial and residential facilities, personnel, and personal protective equipment. The work is carried out throughout Russia. Radiation measurements are carried out by certified specialists with more than 10 years of experience in solving complex and non-standard problems.

The purpose of radiation testing is to confirm the compliance of study objects with radiation safety norms and standards.

Find out the cost of the service - send a request

Radiation monitoring services

When working with sources of ionizing radiation (IRS), it is necessary to regularly carry out tests and measurements. Laboratory specialists perform:

• Monitoring the operational parameters of medical X-ray machines: dental (sighting, computed tomographs), orthopantomographs, diagnostic, mobile ward, surgical, mammographs, fluorographs, densitometers, angiographs, computed tomographs (at least once every two years - clause 8.9., clause. 8.10.SanPiN 2.6.1.1192-03).
• The development of tables of effective radiation doses to patients during medical X-ray examinations is carried out in accordance with section 2 of SanPiN 2.6.1.1192-03.
• Radiation monitoring of the X-ray room and adjacent rooms (upon receipt of a sanitary-epidemiological report and technical certification of the room).
• Individual radiation monitoring of personnel (once a quarter - clause 8.5. SanPiN 2.6.1.1192-03).
• Dosimetric monitoring of an industrial X-ray machine is regulated by SanPiN 2.6.1.3106-13 and SP 2.6.1.1283-03.
• Monitoring the technical condition of personal protective equipment (PPE) (once every 2 years - clause 5.7., clause 8.5. SanPiN 2.6.1.1192-03): aprons, vests, skirts, robes, capes, gloves, capes; screens, doors, shutters.

Persons who require radiation measurements

Services for measuring background radiation and radiation are needed by individuals and legal entities who:

• They extract, produce, design, store, use or transport radioactive substances and other radiation sources.
• They carry out storage, processing, collection, transportation and burial of radioactive waste.
• Perform installation and repair of equipment and installations that generate or use ion radiation.
• Monitor the level of radiation from man-made radiation sources.
• Perform work that affects the level of exposure of people to natural radiation sources.
• They work in areas contaminated with radioactive substances.

IMPORTANT! Persons who violate radiation safety requirements bear disciplinary, administrative and criminal liability in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation (Federal Law No. 52 “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population”).

Objects of radiation monitoring research

Our dosimetry laboratory produces:

• measurement of radiation from construction sites;
• measuring vehicle radiation;
• checking the radiation level of food products;
• radiation control of metal and building materials;
• radiation monitoring in residential premises;
• measurement of radiation in soil, ground, silt.

Registration of test results

Research in the radiation control laboratory is carried out by certified specialists. After radiation measurements and tests have been carried out, we provide the corresponding protocols. You will receive a detailed analysis or a report on individual studies.

What determines the price of radiation monitoring?

The cost of radiation monitoring is determined depending on a number of factors:

• Scope of work.
• Urgency of the research.
• Geographical location of the object.

Advantages of the radiation control laboratory of SK OLIMP

• Guarantee of reliability and accuracy of measurements of the state of the radiation situation at facilities.
• Research is carried out only by certified specialists.
• The laboratory's capabilities make it possible to conduct radiation monitoring at enterprises in any industry.
• Inspection protocols are accepted by regulatory authorities operating on the territory of the Russian Federation.
• Each customer is included in the database of regular customers of the radiation monitoring laboratory and receives a discount the next time he contacts or orders other services from the SK OLIMP company.

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