Apparatus for detecting radioactive contaminants on hand tools

This patent describes an apparatus for detecting radiation in hand-holdable objects. It comprises: a radiation detector assembly including a radiation detector means having a top side that is sensitive to both beta and gamma radiation throughout its area, and a platform means disposed over the top side of the detector means for both supporting the hand-holdable object being examined and for uniformly spacing the object from the detector means, and a shielding cabinet the radiation detector assembly and shielding the detector means from background radiation. The cabinet having an access opening for allowing an operator to deposit and withdraw an object onto and the off of the platform means