CNSC Videos

Portable Nuclear Gauges

(Blank screen showing the following disclaimer):
This video contains guidelines on working safely with portable gauges and is not intended to be a sole source of information for training purposes. Specific information and requirements are found in the manufacturer operating manuals for each gauge model, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and applicable regulations, as well as the licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).

(Opening image CNSC logo TEXT ON SCREEN: Stay safe working with portable nuclear gauges)

Voice-Over: Stay safe working with portable nuclear gauges

Portable nuclear gauges have sources that emit radiation.

(Shot of worker on a roadway holding the portable gauge with construction sounds in the background.)

To work safely with these gauges, here’s what you need to know.

(Text on screen: Preparing and using Portable Nuclear Gauges)

Voice-Over: Preparing and using Portable Nuclear Gauges

Before you start anything, be sure to attach the dosimeter your employer provided somewhere between your neck and waist.

(Close up of worker clipping on the dosimeter to their chest)

Voice-Over: If you do not have a dosimeter, you must log every shot, even practice shots.

(Shot of worker logging shots in the log book)

Voice-Over: If you are approaching 650 shots in a year, bring it up with your radiation safety officer.

(Shot of worker bending down over the gauge with Prohibited symbol) Voice-Over: When using the gauge, don’t hover over it or point it at others while the source is exposed.

(Shot of worker carrying the gauge over to the hole. Person sets gauge over hole) Wait until the gauge is set over the hole before extending the source rod.

(Shot of worker stepping away from the gauge and waiting for the beep. Signals for a coworker to move back with him)

Voice-Over: Keep your co-workers and anyone else in the area at least two meters away from the gauge.

Once it’s set, move away from the gauge.

(Shot of worker stepping back into the shot of the gauge and takes the reading, safely retracts the gauge and moves it away)

Voice-Over: Once it’s done, retract the source rod from the ground, and then move the portable gauge.

(Cut to shot of worker securing the gauge on the jobsite. As a group of people walk away. Chained closed or locked in a truck.)

Gauges must always be under direct supervision, so if you’re going to lunch or taking a break the gauge has to be locked safely and securely.

(Text on screen: Transporting Portable Nuclear Gauges)

Voice-Over: Transporting Portable Nuclear Gauges

(Shot of worker placing documents into truck door before stepping into truck)

Voice-Over: First, make sure you have the right shipping documents with you before traveling with a gauge to or from the job site.

Voice-Over: Documents must always be within arm’s reach.

(Shot of worker closing the tailgate of the truck and checking to ensure that the lock is secure)

Voice-over: Second, when packing the gauge for transport, make sure the shutter is fully closed to protect yourself and the public.

(Shot of worker checking to ensure that shutter is closed with a radiation survey meter)

Voice-Over: The best practice to check a shutter is with a radiation survey meter.

(Shot or worker lifting gauge to show underside, and placing survey meter at the bottom of the gauge)

A mirror check is a secondary option for checking the shutter.

(Shot of worker inspecting the gauge and package)

Voice-Over: Also check that the gauge and transport case are not damaged.

(Shot indicating each of the labels and where they are placed on the packaging)

Voice-over: Once it is in its type A package make sure the following labels and markings are present and legible:

(Close shot identifying each label)

Voice-Over: Two properly completed category Yellow-II labels on opposite sides of the package

Voice-Over: The UN number and proper shipping name next to each category label, Consignor ID, Name of package manufacturer and VRI code

(Shot of workers placing gauge in a secure storage area, labelled with signs indicating that the gauge is in that location

Voice-Over: At the end of the day, make sure the gauge is safely and securely stored.

(Shot sequence of damaged gauges)

Voice-over: If the gauge is damaged, lost, stolen or involved in a transport accident follow your company’s emergency response procedures and inform the appropriate persons immediately.

(Text on screen: CNSC Duty Officer Phone number: 1-844-879-0805) Voice-Over: If you can’t reach your RSO call the CNSC duty officer immediately at 1-844-879-0805

(Shot of workers looking a gauge from a safe distance) Voice-Over: Following these simple steps will help keep you and others safe when using portable nuclear gauges

(Generic CNSC video close cut shot) Voice-Over: For more information on portable gauges or the CNSC visit our website: nuclearsafety.gc.ca