Introduction; How The Inspector Detects Radiation; Precautions; Features - Radiation Alert Inspector+ User Manual

1 Introduction

The Inspector is a health and safety instrument that is optimized to detect low levels of radiation. It measures alpha, beta,
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gamma, and x-ray radiation.
Its applications include:
• Detecting and measuring surface contamination
• Monitoring possible radiation exposure while working with radionuclides
• Screening for environmental contamination
• Detecting noble gases and other low energy radionuclides
How the Inspector + Detects Radiation
The Inspector uses a Geiger-Mueller tube to detect radiation. The Geiger tube generates a pulse of electrical current
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each time radiation passes through the tube and causes ionization. Each pulse is electronically detected and registers as
a count. The Inspector displays the counts in the mode you choose.
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The number of counts detected by the Inspector
reading is expressed more accurately as an average over time, and the average is more accurate over a longer time
period. For details, see "Operating in Total/Timer Mode" in Chapter 3.

Precautions

To keep the Inspector in good condition, handle it with care, and observe the following precautions:
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• Do not contaminate the Inspector
suspected, replacement rubber strips are stapled inside this manual.
• Do not leave the Inspector
• Do not get the Inspector
• Do not put the Inspector
oven.
• This instrument may be sensitive to and may not operate properly in radio frequency, microwave, electrostatic, and
electromagnetic fields.
• If you expect to not use the Inspector
battery corrosion. Change the battery promptly when the battery indicator appears on the display.
•
Please take caution when using the unit at altitudes higher than 8000 feet (2438.4 meters), as tubes can rupture.
(7) Tube Center
Indicator
(8) Count Light
(9) CAL Input
Figure 1 Front View

2 Features

The Inspector measures alpha, beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation. It is optimized to detect small changes in radiation
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levels and to have high sensitivity to many common radionuclides. For more information, see Appendix A, "Sensitivity to
Common Radionuclides."
This chapter briefly describes the Inspector
3, "Operation."
The Inspector counts ionizing events and displays the results on the liquid crystal display (LCD). You control which unit of
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measurement is shown by using the mode switch.
Whenever the Inspector
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varies from minute to minute due to the random nature of radioactivity. A
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by touching it to radioactive surfaces or materials. If contamination is
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in temperatures over 100° F (38° C) or in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
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wet. Water can damage the circuitry and the mica surface of the Geiger tube.
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in a microwave oven. It cannot measure microwaves, and you may damage it or the
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for longer than one month, remove the battery to avoid damage from
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(10) Output
's functions. For more information on how to use the Inspector
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is operating, the red count light (8) flashes each time a count (an ionizing event) is detected.
(1) LCD Display
(2) Mode Switch
(3) On/Off/Audio
Switch
, see Chapter
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3