CBRN / HazMat Training Blog

5 Tools To Enhance The Realism of Radiation Training

Written by Steven Pike on 03 August 2022

5 Tools To Enhance The Realism of Radiation Training

Successful radiation training scenarios rely on the extent to which the instructor is able to create a compelling, hands-on and truly life-like training experience. 

But finding ways to provide realistic opportunities for students to test their understanding of their detector equipment and how it responds to actual radiological threats and the associated response procedures can often be challenging.

In this blog post we explore five radiation simulator training tools that offer a powerful way for radiological instructors to enhance their existing programs of instruction and to deliver an even wider range of engaging scenarios.

Why Radiation Training Requires Realistic Tools  

Without live, hands-on training opportunities, vital knowledge can be easily misinterpreted or overlooked. Students need to have the opportunity to experience training that is as real as it gets. 

Not only do they need to have experience using the actual tools they would encounter in real-life situations, but they need to practice with these tools repeatedly to build the muscle memory needed for fast and efficient responses. 

While the simplicity of feeding information to trainees via a tap on the shoulder, a verbal instruction, or handing over a prompt or inject card has some merit, it's an approach that can also result in a less than authentic training experience for both the student and the teacher. A common issue for many instructors is the inherently limiting nature of these simpler "make-believe" training approaches.

This is why simulator-based training tools are important for helping trainers to create engaging exercise scenarios that replicate the challenges and complexities of live incidents.

5 Radiation Training Tools To Consider:

1. RadEye GF-10 Simulator: Simulate the effects of ionising radiation.

RadEye GF-10 Simulator: Simulate the effects of ionising radiation.

The RadEye GF-10 Simulator offers the identical look, feel and response as the actual ThermoFisher detector, but with the advantage of responding to a completely safe electromagnetic source. 

By safely simulating the behaviour and effects of ionising radiation, trainers can set up scenarios in any environment and without health, safety, regulatory and environmental restrictions. 

Powerful proprietary signal processing ensures that readings can be easily and accurately repeated each time a trainee revisits the same scenario location.

The effects of user body shielding can also be realistically depicted so survey teams are confident in knowing how to use and interpret the readings and alarms that they receive.

DOWNLOAD GF10-SIM PRODUCT SHEET

2. FH 40 G Simulator: Unlimited variety of survey metre scenarios for your radiation training

FH 40 G Simulator: Unlimited variety of survey metre scenarios for your radiation training

The FH 40 G-Sim responds to safe electronic sources which enable radiological instructors to create an unlimited variety of high quality survey meter training scenarios in any location. 

The device’s logarithmic analogue bar graph display, numeric dose rate display and audible alarms are identical to that of the actual detector which ensures trainees are exposed to the most realistic hands-on experience possible. 

The simulator also offers the advantage of being compatible with the FH G-SIM Teletector probe extension as well as with Argon’s PlumeSIM wide area exercise system.

Download product sheet

3. DT616 Simulator: Beta and gamma radiation training without real sources

The DT616-SIM simulator probe set proDT616 Simulator: Beta and gamma radiation training without real sourcesvides trainees with the opportunity to experience the operational features of the Mirion / Canberra DT616 probe in combination with their own operational AN/VDR-2, PDR-77 and RDS100 meters.

The simulator probe responds to safe electromagnetic and magnetic sources that simulate beta and gamma radiation without any need to use real radiation sources or radioactive materials. 

For instructors, there is the opportunity to create a diverse range of radiation, HazMat and CBRN scenarios in any environment and without any regulatory, environmental or health and safety concerns.

Download product sheet

4. Radsim DS3 Mini 900 Simulator: Responds to simulated radioactive powders, liquids and creams for safe radiation training 

Radsim DS3 Mini 900 Simulator: Responds to simulated radioactive powders, liquids and creams for safe radiation training 

The Radsim DS3 training simulator replicates the look, feel and functionality of the Thermo/Mini Instruments 900 EP15 contamination monitor. 

The simulator responds to non hazardous simulated radioactive powders, liquids and creams to enable the safe simulation of contamination and cross contamination in any training location including educational establishments, hospitals and nuclear facilities. 

The device can be easily configured to respond to the simulants as Alpha, Beta or Alpha Beta combined.

There is also a setting which enables instructors to modify the detection range of the simulation probe in order to teach the importance of correct probe use.

Download product sheet

5. UDR-13/UDR-14 Simulator: Experience the practical effects of inverse square law and different forms of shielding​​UDR-13/UDR-14 Simulator: Experience the practical effects of inverse square law and different forms of shielding

The UDR13 and UDR-14 series of radiation training simulators provide a way for radiological instructors to execute high-reading dose and dose rate exercises in a completely safe manner. 

The response speed and characteristics of the simulator are identical to that of the real detector, which provides the opportunity for students to experience different forms of shielding and the practical effects of inverse square law within real detector tolerance.

DOWNLOAD UDR-14 SIM PRODUCT SHEET

Using Radiation Training Tools To Simulate Real Experience

Testing the understanding of the essential science and behaviour of radiation is a crucial aspect of radiological training.

What is vital is that students know how to use and interpret their detector readings and alarms so they can be both confident and safe in real-life radiological response operations. 

The use of simulator-based tools enables radiological instructors to authentically simulate all aspects of a diverse range of radiation incidents in a compelling and completely safe way.

To learn more about how to source the right equipment for future radiation training, including a summary of essential “tools of the trade” for CBRNe and HazMat emergency response, download our free ebook.

Download how to source simulator detectors for CBRNe & HazMat training

Topics: Simulation Training, Radiation Hazard Training, CBRNe, CBRN and HazMat Training

Steven Pike

Written by Steven Pike