7
Chapter 1: Safety and Regulations Requirements
This document gives guidance regarding the safe and proper use of sealed radioactive devices. It
is important that the information therein is followed at all times. Relevant national regulations,
codes of practice, and transport regulations must be applied, where they exist.
1.1 Safety symbols
Safety information contained in this manual is separated from the text and marked with an
appropriate symbol to indicate the type of danger. The following terms are used to signal varying
levels of risk or hazard:
WARNING
: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
: Indicates that failure to follow procedures and recommendations where this
CAUTION displays could result in minor injury and potential damage to the unit.
1.2 General radiation safety
WARNING!
This instrument contains a Ni-63 radioactive beta source. Disassembling of the
chemical agent detection module and removal of the radioactive source will result
in radiation exposure.
To avoid radiation exposure, never disassemble the chemical agent detection
module and/or remove the radioactive source.
1.2.1 Radioactive source information
The unit contains a Ni-63 radioactive beta source of 600 MBq (16 mCi)
±
10% activity. Ni-63
emits beta-particles with a maximum energy of 65.9 keV. The radioactive foil is prepared by
chemical deposition of Ni-63.
1.3 Storage
Originally packed instruments should be stored at an ambient air temperature from -15
о
С to
+ 50
о
С and relative humidity up to 95 % at 35
о
С. The instrument storage period should not
exceed its average service life (10 years).
Unpacked instruments should be stored at an ambient air temperature from 10
о
С to 35
о
С and
relative humidity 80 % at 25
о
С.
The storage place should be free of dust, corrosive vapors and gases, and other corrosive
impurities.
1.4 Shipping
Packed instruments should be transported by any enclosed vehicle at an ambient air temperature
from -50
о
С to +50
о
C, the appropriate international and national regulations being strictly
observed.
