Chapter DHS 157
APPENDIX S
Course Outline for Portable Gauge and XRF Device
Radiation Safety Training Program
The following are areas in which the department considers it important that an individual have expertise for the competent operation of portable gauges and XRF devices using sealed sources of radioactive material. The course shall be at least 8 hours in length.
I. PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIATION SAFETY
A. Types and Characteristics of Radiation
1.   Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X-ray and Neutron Radiation
2.   Exposure: Natural versus Man-made Radiation
3.   Irradiation versus Contamination/Internal vs. External
4.   Radioactive Material Used in Portable Gauges and XRF Devices
B. Units of Radiation Dose and Quantities of Radioactivity
1.   Curie, Rad, Rem and Roentgen
2.   Prefixes
3.   SI Units
C. Basic Math and Calculations Related to Radioactivity
1.   Radioactive Decay
2.   Dose Rates from the sources commonly used
3.   Inverse Square Law
D. Biological Effects of Radiation
1.   Acute, Chronic and Genetic Effects of Exposure
2.   Radiation Protection Standards
3.   The ALARA Philosophy
E. Radiation Levels From Radioactive Sealed Sources
1.   Survey Meter Use for Portable Gauge Users, not including XRF devices
F. Methods of Controlling Radiation Dose
1.   Time
2.   Distance
3.   Shielding