Robinson Response below.

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of 
Thomas J Vandermey
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:41 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Jill Phebe Newton
Subject: Powernet: Quick Benchmark on RP Instrument QC

Request benchmark on RP Instrument QC charts:

1. What type of QC limits do you use?  Statistical limits or tolerance limits 
or both? both

2. What limiting values do you use, e.g. +/- 3 sigma of check source readings, 
+/- 3% of mean check source reading, variable limits depending on type of 
instrument, etc.?  We normally apply the 3 sigma limits.  However our Tennelecs 
are not setup in a laboratory setting (temperature is not carefully controlled 
for example) so our procedure will allow it to remain in service as long as 
source check results are within +/- 20%.  This almost never comes into play 
however because we are typically successful at keeping the units well within 
the 3 sigma limits.

3. What basis do you cite for limits used, e.g. MARLAP, ANSI N42.23, etc.?  We 
don’t use our Tennelecs for anything other than Occupational HP so it is our 
position that the portable instrument limit criteria are applicable (smears can 
be counted with frisker, fixed counters or Tennelec’s).  Air samples can be 
counted with fixed counters or Tennelecs.

4. What is done if source check falls outside limits?  Outside of +/- 20% 
procedure requires instrument to be taken OOS for repair/recalibration etc.  
Typically we take instrument OOS at the lower more conservative 3 sigma value.


Thanks very much,
Tom VanderMey, CHP
Principal Radiological Engineer
DTE Energy, Fermi 2
734-586-1539


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