DEFINITIONS AND TERMS
6.1
Area alarm
An area radiation level monitor that provides a highly visual warning when the radiation level exceeds a pre-set
threshold. Commonly referred to as Gammalarms, use is required by most jurisdictions in permanent
radiographic installations and they are often used in conjunction with door interlocks and audible alarms.
Portable area alarms are required by some jurisdictions for radiography performed at temporary job-sites.
Alarm ratemeter
An alarm worn by radiography personnel that provides a continuous audible warning when the alarm ratemeter
detects a radiation level in excess of a pre-set threshold of 5mSv/hr (500mR/hr). This redundant safety alarm is
required by regulation for temporary job-site radiography within the USA.
Apparatus for industrial gamma radiography
Apparatus including an exposure device, a source assembly as applicable, a remote control, a projection
sheath, an exposure head and accessories designed to enable radiation emitted by a sealed radioactive source
to be used for industrial gamma radiography purposes. Also known as: isotope radiography system, isotope
radiography kit.
Automatic securing mechanism
An automatically activated mechanism located on the radiographic exposure device designed to restrict the
source assembly in the secured position.
Beam limiter
A shielding device for confining the elements of a beam of radiation to an assigned solid angle. Beam limiters
are generally manufactured from lead, tungsten and depleted Uranium and are pre-positioned over/on the
radiation source's working position. Also known as: collimators.
Control crank
A control cable cranking device that is a component of the remote controls. The control crank is used at a
distance by the radiography personnel to move the radiation source to and from the device, through projection
sheaths to and from the exposure position. Manual control crank mechanisms are commonly used, but
automatic exposure controllers are available which can be operated from a greater distance and allows preset
timing and automatic expose and retract modes. Also known as: wind-outs, crank-outs and hand-cranks.
Control cable
A cable or other mechanical means used to project and retract the source assembly out from and into the
radiographic exposure device by means of remote control. The control cable includes the means of attachment
to the source holder. Also known as: remote control cable, drive cable, Teleflex™ cable.
Control cable sheath
Rigid or flexible tube for guiding the control cable from the remote to the radiographic exposure device and
providing physical protection to the control cable. The control cable sheath includes the necessary connections
for attachment to the radiographic exposure device and to the remote control. Also known as: control cable
housing, conduit.
Exposure device (container)
Radiographic exposure devices are used to remotely project the radiation source to a predetermined
exposure position when required and to securely maintain it and shield it when it is not in use. Current
equipment requirements require devices be designed and tested to ISO/ANSI standards and pertinent
transportation regulations for transport containers. Also known as: projector, gamma ray projector
(G.R.P.), camera, pill-box, source-box, exposure container.