[RichardT10829]

as promised here are the results from the swabs taken from the opened Mk2 gauge

Richard

Been on leave. The swab for the bench (pre clean) and the dial face, and also the gloves showed levels of radium contamination. Both of these were expected. The bench swab (post clean) still showed some contamination, but you’ve done a good job cleaning up. I suggest cleaning the bench thoroughly another three times with 10% solution of domestos or similar (its very similar to the reagents we use professionally). Thick paper towels are best, and keep changing the gloves. If your bench is wooden perhaps waxing or varnishing will ensure anything left will remain fixed.

Put all your rubbish and coveralls in black bin liners and dispose of to the local tip as non-recyclables…this is ok.

When opening any dials be aware that they will be thoroughly contaminated inside, including the inner parts. If you need to do this construct a polythene glove box from a nailed up wooden frame and heavy duty plastic from B&Q. You’ll need to think about hand holes, but something that makes a tight fit.

Don’t sweep the garage floor, this will get the dust in the air. If you have a Dyson or other cyclone cleaner or cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter use this. There is unlikely to be anything much on the floor. Alternatively wash out the floor with a hosepipe.

If you really think you want a professional decontamination I can do this as private work (a lot cheaper) but it will be around £500-600. However, I really don’t think this is necessary given the levels found on your wipes.

Regards

Ian


my reply
"Thanks for that Ian, I take it the amounts were very small what ppm"



30 counts per second above background on a scintillation counter (very sensitive). About the same count rate you’d get from a ‘hot’ piece of granite from Cornwall.

And consider that between the 1930s to 60s people used to take radium bath salts and enemas and Lord knows what other ‘recreational’ products…and of course thermal springs are loaded with radioactive materials, as are bananas Lo-Salt and the sea.

So long as you don’t lick your bench you’ll be fine.