nuclear density guage misuse 2

[gonedrillin]

I receieved about 10 minutes of training before being cut loose with a nuclear density guage. I was not issued a radiation badge and was not aware such things exsisted. Furthermore, the boss who instructed me on the guages use repeatedly told me to extend the rod out on the guage's casing to the desired depth (12") on the handle, before placing it in the hole that had been hammered into the soil for testing. This is how he did it and instructed me to do it. The handle on the guage is difficult to work with and "tight" so the guage was places on it's side while the rod was extended out from the casing the the guage lifted by hand and placed into the soil hole for measurements. From what I've read online, this was not the right way to operate a guage. Was this risky? Should it be something I'm concerned about in regards to my health or anyone elses? How risky? What should be done now?

 

[Ron]

gonedrillin....from a safety standpoint, you're probably OK, but don't continue the practice. You are required to have a film badge under your employers nuclear device license.

The radiation emitted from a Nuclear Density Gauge is very, very low. As long as it is contained within the probe rod, it doesn't present much of a danger to you or others.

What you've described is a poor practice of training for Nuclear Density Gauge use. Suppliers will provide much better training, usually for no cost. Get it.

The process of driving a rod into the soil and then inserting the extended rod from the nuclear device is common. I wouldn't recommend that you hold the device rod to guide it into the hole...that can be done without holding it.

The driven rod should be larger than the nuclear device rod so that insertion is easy. You then pull the gauge toward you to establish contact with the soil prior to taking your reading.

There are quite a few other things you need to know about this. Get the proper training and consider a different employer. It doesn't sound like he knows what he's doing and doesn't care about safety. Not a good combination.

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

While it would likely cost you your job, you should contact the NRC about your employeer. He is putting everyone at risk, however small, and it should be stopped. I also expect that if they are cutting corners with the gauges, that they are cutting them elsewhere.

 

[Ron]

Excellent point GPT.

 

[TDAA]

I think Geopave might be a bit overboard here. As Ron stated, there is little risk with a gauge. Also, most people who do get the right training do not use the safety aspects when on the job.

Gonedrillin, you have obviously looked through the supplied materials (or just online) to see how to use the gauge safely. The things to remember are distance and time. Reduce time, and increase distance for safer operation. IE, don’t touch the rod, except if you have to, and then, keep it short.

You can easily (at least on a Troxler)clean and lube the gauge to get better operation. Remove the small plate, clean out built up soil, and lube the moving parts with magnalube. After doing this, things should work better. When they do, train yourself to “eye up” the hole, place the gauge and extend the rod. Using the plate to make a line as you pick it up will help. It takes some practice to get it, but in my day, I would get it about 95 percent of the time, even on slopes.

Keep in mind, not all states are under the NRC. VA, for one is not, and they set their own rules. As I recall, I was not required to have a badge, but one was always supplied (and was policy to wear).

 

[boffintech]

You boss is a complete idiot.

The drill rod guide plate is the exact same size as the bottom of the gauge. When you place the plate on the soil to be tested simply use the drill rod and score the soil drawing an outline of the plate. Upon lifting the plate an exact outline will be marked to set the gauge in. Place the gauge in the marked spot and and extend the gauge rod down the hole. The drill rod makes a hole slightly bigger than the gauge rod. Once the gauge rod is in the hole use both hands to gently slide it forward so the the rod makes contact with soil.

NEVER extend the rod out of the gauge except into a hole. It is possible to extend the gauge rod out of the gauge IF the end of the rod is on the opposite side of the gauge as you are. Place the gauge on the ground, lean it forward (towards you) slightly, pull the handle trigger to release the rod, let the rod slide out, place the end of the rod in the hole, let the gauge lean back on the ground and then slide the rod further down the hole. Never place the gauge on its side and extend the gauge rod so that you are repeatedly exposed to the radiation source. That guy is a dumb ass if he told you to do it that way. If I had a guy that showed a new tech to do it that way I'd fire him on the spot.

Go to

http://www.troxlerlabs.com

and download and read the radiation safety instructions. You can also download the various operator's manuals for each gauge. In the operators manual you will find instructions for cleaning the gauge rod so that it slides in and out of gauge properly.

Your boss is a complete idiot.

If after correctly cleaning the gauge rod if fails to operate properly it may be bent. In this case ask to see the last leak test report that was performed on the gauge. If they don't have a passing leak test report for that gauge don't use it.

Did I mention that your boss was a complete idiot?

 

[Ron]

Aw come on Boffintech...don't sugar coat it! Tell us what you really think about his boss! (You're right)

One correction...you should pull the gage toward you, not push it forward. It is more important that the rod section closest to the keypad is against the soil as the detector is behind the rod, not in front of it.

 

[dgillette]

About 20 years ago, shortly after I got my certificate from Troxler, a tech for one of our competitors wrecked his truck while carrying a nuke gauge. The police saw that radiation symbol and cordoned off a large area around it. On TV that night, while the news poodles speculated about the dangers or radioactivity, the owner of the firm ducked under the tape, calmly walked over and picked up the gauge, shrugged, and walked away, knowing that there was little danger to him. I don't know whether the tech got fired for wrecking the truck and possibly wrecking the gauge.

The danger is small, but the precautions (like not extending the rod before it goes in the ground) cost nothing to implement. I figure it's like bike helmets. If they weren't available, I probably wouldn't ride any differently or any less. However, they cost very little in $ or discomfort, so I take the precaution of not riding without one. Regardless of the level of danger to you, it is legally foolish (and maybe immoral) not to send you to training to get certified.

 

[gonedrillin]

Appreciate the replies. I was never educated about the radiation badges. Geopave is right, corners have been cut elsewhere. I've been employed by this firm for 3 months, which would be long-term considering their turnover rate. My leg was injured by a hollow stem auger during a soil boring and the injury could of minimal if the rig had a working kill switch... it did not. Most of our lab lacks air conditioning making for miserable working conditions. However, the company has been in operation for over 25 years, but under new ownership for only a few. The current owners bought this company after their previous firm was "shut down" ...there are other issues on the table right now, many safety related and some unrelated ... OSHA would close our doors without hesitation. I am looking for employment elsewhere.

 

[dgillette]

Best wishes for new, safer employment. OSHA's web site has phone numbers for regional and area offices, just in case.

 

[TDAA]

Based on the follow up comments by gonedrillin, I now see the gauge issue is part of a larger problem. As there seems to be a complete lack of safety at that company, I would definately seek other employment, call OSHA, and likely sue for compensation on the injury.

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

Run, don't walk, for the door call OSHA and get a lawer (if you want). Working for any company that has that little regaurd for its employees is not someplace to work. It is only a matter of time before they get sued, go out of business, stiff you on pay or you get hurt bad.