Managing a sound portable gauge radiation safety program

At some construction engineering companies, individuals with no background in radiation safety sometimes are assigned the not always welcome title of Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). With this new title comes the responsibility of ensuring that portable gauges are used safely at their facilities and in tile field. These newly appointed RSOs sometimes lack the knowledge and experience needed to manage a radiation safety program. This article was developed to provide the basic information needed to work confidently and safely around these instruments and to discuss licensing requirements and other information pertaining to the management of a portable gauge radiation safety program.