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Chapter 1: Introduction
The Radiation Alert® Frisker is a radiation contamination instrument that has been designed and developed
to meet the demands of today’s radiation responder. By integrating the latest electronics with a proven and
dependable Geiger-Mueller detector, the result is an ergonomic tool that addresses any number of radiological
applications.
How The Radiation Alert® Frisker Detects Radiation
The Radiation Alert® Frisker uses a Geiger-Mueller tube to detect radiation. The Geiger tube generates a
pulse of electrical current each time radiation passes through the halogen quenched tube. Each pulse is
electronically detected and registers as a count. The Radiation Alert® Frisker displays the counts in the mode
you choose.
The number of counts detected by the Radiation Alert® Frisker varies from moment to moment due to the
random nature of radioactivity. A reading is expressed more accurately as an average over time, and the
average is more accurate over a longer time period.
Precautions
To keep the Radiation Alert® Frisker in good condition, handle it with care, and observe the following
precautions:
• CAUTION: Never touch the Radiation Alert® Frisker to a surface that may be contaminated. You may
contaminate the instrument.
• Do not leave the Radiation Alert® Frisker in temperatures over 100° F (38° C) or in direct sunlight for
extended periods of time.
• Do not get the Radiation Alert® Frisker wet. Water can damage the circuitry and the mica surface of the
Geiger tube.
• Do not put the Radiation Alert® Frisker in a microwave oven. It cannot measure microwaves, and you may
damage it or the oven.
• This instrument may be sensitive to and may not operate properly in radio frequency, microwave,
electrostatic, and electromagnetic fields.
• If you do not expect to use the Radiation Alert® Frisker for longer than one month, remove the batteries
to avoid damage from battery corrosion.
• CAUTION: When using the unit at altitudes higher than 8000 feet (2438.4 meters), it is possible that the
tube window can rupture.
