Trends in instrumentation for radiation protection

Protection of people working in the nuclear industry and of the general public when exposed to radiation, involves detecting contamination before it becomes a hazard. The main instruments for radiation monitoring are described, but first a description is given of what they measure and the units of measurement. The trend is towards the 'installed personnel monitor' for the routine checking of workers in the nuclear industry. This is described briefly. Another instrument has been designed for the rapid screening of workers who may have ingested radioactive particles or material. Direct reading pocket dosemeters and personal air samplers are now used for workers employed for fuel-changing operations. (U.K.)