This system provides radiation protection to crew and passengers through
constant monitoring for any abnormalities in radiation levels that might
occur. This is accomplished through a system of 12 radiation detector
units in the following locations: A-deck, outside doctor’s office;
B-deck, aft passageway; B-deck, port passageway; C-deck, port
passageway; C-deck, aft passageway; D-deck, starboard passageway;
D-deck, both fore and aft bulkheads and at tanktop level, the port,
starboard, fore and aft passageways.
These 12 monitor units feed their readings into 2 channels, with 6
monitors on each channel according to a predetermined sequence. A
manually operated detector permits switching to any one monitor to allow
observation and study of that station for as long as desired. By means
of a recorder on each channel, a permanent record of the 12 monitoring
stations can be obtained.
The detectors are calibrated and maintained periodically by operating
personnel using a standardized cobalt-60 source.
Ionization chambers located at the points of entry into the containment
vessel will determine when it is safe to enter the vessel. In addition,
anyone entering the vessel will carry a portable monitor to determine
the dose rate at the point he will be working.
In addition to the installed detectors, there is a full complement of
portable equipment to make any specific investigations required. The
equipment is used to check decontamination results and to monitor
contaminated spaces during maintenance. Health physics personnel,
equipped with portable equipment, accompany all groups working any area
that might contain radioactivity.
The health physics laboratory aboard the ship is outfitted for all tests
required during the operation of the reactor plant.