CBRN / HazMat Training Blog

Realistic radiation safety training with the RDS-100 SIM 3-Probe set

Written by Steven Pike on 10 August 2021

realistic radiation training RDS-100 SIMOne of the biggest obstacles to delivering effective hands-on radiation training is finding ways to safely and realistically replicate the conditions of a real-life radiological emergency.

Whether your students are training in the logistics of radiological reconnaissance, learning about the effects of shielding or inverse square law or practicing the principles of safe demarcation, it is hugely important that the realities of the live radiological environment are not underplayed or misconstrued.

Addressing the challenges of radiological training

In the vast majority of radiation training environments, the use of any form of live radiological source or radiological material is often highly impractical or at the very least severely constrained by essential regulatory, administrative and safety considerations.

For many instructors, an easy workaround may be to avoid the use of any type of live source altogether and to rely instead on spoon-feeding any vital information to their trainees as they guide them through each stage of the training exercise. 

But while this approach offers a degree of simplicity, it is a method that can also risk falling short in depicting the true nature of a live radiological situation. 

Ideally, trainees need the opportunity to apply their cognitive learning in a realistic setting that represents the conditions of the live field.

In order to truly practice, test and perfect their core radiological skills, they also need access to realistic training tools that replicate the feel and functionality of their real-life devices - or better yet, that enable them to train while using their actual detectors.

The benefits of simulator-based training

For those instructors who are keen to explore new and more engaging ways to deliver essential radiological knowledge in a hands-on way, the use of radiological simulation systems can offer a powerful solution.

The use of simulation-based training has gained increasing popularity in recent years, driven in large part by the dual benefits of boosting operational effectiveness while also helping to reduce costs.

According to Army Technology Magazine, the pace of change of technological advancements is now so fast that many “traditional training methods are no longer able to reflect the new operational reality.”

When it comes to delivering hands-on radiation training, the stakes can be especially high, with the need to create realistic radiation scenarios that are able to test every aspect of a trainee’s radiation knowledge.

Discover Argon's simulator-based training systems

Argon Electronics’ world-leading range of simulator-based radiation training systems offers a powerful solution by providing CBRNe and HazMat instructors with the ability to create life-like radiation exercises in which trainees are able to use their actual operational equipment.

One such example is Argon’s RDS-100 / PDR-77 SimProbe set which has been specifically designed for use with actual Mirion / Canberra AN/PDR-77 and RDS100 survey meters.

The RDS-100 SIM-3-Probe set comprises three separate simulation probes: 

  • The BG-SIM-P - a Beta/Gamma radiation safety training simulator probe for training in the use of the RDS100, the AN/VDR-2 and the AN/PDR-77
  • The A-SIM-P - an Alpha radiation safety training simulator probe for use with the RDS100 and AN/PDR-77
  • The B-SIM-P - a beta radiation safety training simulator probe designed for use with the RDS100 and Canberra AN/PDR77

The simulator probes respond to safe magnetic sources that simulate radiation, enabling trainees to experience all of the operational features of their actual equipment.

For instructors there is also the freedom to conduct radiological exercises in any environment.

The system has also been designed to enable realistic simultaneous training in the use of a wide range of spectrometer, dosimeter and survey/radiac meter simulators manufactured by Argon Electronics, making it possible for instructors to deliver multi-detector and multi-isotope training within a single scenario.

If desired, there is also the option to include other types of hazardous substances releases and chemical warfare agents to aid in the training of HazMat and chemical warfare.

For trainers looking to conduct realistic wide-area tactical and emergency response field exercises, the RDS-100 SIM-3 probes can also be used in tandem with Argon’s PlumeSIM system, using single or multiple simulation device types.

Alongside the realism of the training, there is also the simplicity that the simulator system offers.

The simulator probes are powered by the same battery supply as the real radiac meters to which they are connected, there is no requirement for preventive maintenance or recalibration and there is zero risk of damage to operational detectors.

The RDS-100 SIM 3-Probe simulator set offers a powerful radiological training solution that removes the need for the use of real radiation sources or radioactive materials. 

Trainees are able to experience all of the characteristics and functionality of their actual detectors while responding to safe electronic and magnetic sources that remove all health and safety concerns.

To learn more about the applications of the RDS-100 SIM please contact a member of the Argon Electronics Business Development Team for a no-obligation live product demonstration.

Radiation-Safety-Training

Topics: Radiation Hazard Training

Steven Pike

Written by Steven Pike