Sample Analysis - doe-std-1128-98

DOE-STD-1128-98

A plutonium air sampling program typically includes a system of fixed head air

samplers to quantify air concentrations in the workplace. The basic characteristics of

the sampling equipment remain the same except that there is normally less flexibility

in locating the sampling heads but more flexibility in selecting and operating the

counting instrumentation. In many instances, installed sampling systems may no

longer be operational or may be in the wrong locations. In those instances, portable

air sampling systems, both impactor-head type or filter type may be used to provide

required worker protection.

4.1.6 Sample Analysis

Plutonium air samples are typically analyzed by alpha counting, alpha spectral

analysis, or chemical analysis. The technique used will depend upon the filter media

used, the physical and chemical state of the contaminate, the urgency for the data,

interfering radionuclides, and other factors. Authoritative guidance in establishing

plutonium air sampling counting and analysis methods can be found in NCRP Report

No. 58, A Handbook of Radioactivity Measurements Procedures (NCRP, 1985) and

in Air Sampling in the Workplace (NRC, 1993).

4.1.7 Monitoring Strategies and Protocols

The rapid, early detection of airborne releases requires knowledge of the potential

sources and characteristics of the airborne material, the locations of the personnel

who are at risk, and the capabilities of the detection devices. Optimally, the samples

should be taken between the source and the potentially exposed worker (or member

of the public) to intercept the airborne materials before they reach the individual.

With the numerous sources and mobility of the workers, interception under all

conditions is difficult, if not impossible to achieve. Samples of airborne materials

should be taken as close to their points of origin as practicable to maximize the

probability of their detection (airborne concentrations are at a maximum at their

points of origin).

Fixed probes that are positioned to intercept releases from recognized major potential

sources should be used along with portable air samplers for planned activities with

known potentials for airborne release of contaminants and for temporary storage of

contaminated materials in areas of low air flow. If the workplace exhaust system can

be shown to provide rapid, essentially quantitative clearance of airborne

contamination, fixed probes that sample the exhaust system may be adequate for

routine coverage of unplanned activities. If justified by documented studies, other

sampling arrangements may be used that provide improved "total" coverage of the

workplace environment for the early detection of airborne contamination.

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