ARPANSA - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

Extremity Monitor

These monitors are used by people whose fingers may be very close to radiation sources. The monitor consists of a small plastic sachet containing thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) material. (This is the radiation-sensitive material lithium fluoride, which stores the energy it receives from ionising radiation until it is heated during processing. It then releases the energy as light.) These monitors are issued for a wearing period of four weeks.

Neutron Monitor

These monitors are used by people potentially exposed to fast neutrons, such as those using neutron generators or devices (for example, moisture density gauges which use neutron sources). The monitors consist of a neutron plaque and a TLD card loaded inside a plastic holder prior to issue and they detect fast neutrons, beta rays and gamma rays and are issued for wearing periods of four, eight or 12 weeks.

TLD Monitor

These monitors are used by people who are exposed to X-rays, gamma rays, beta rays, or a mixture of these types of radiation. The monitors comprise TLD cards issued for placing in TLD holders and are issued for wearing periods of 4, 8 or 12 weeks, depending on the work carried out and any restrictions placed on the wearing period by the Regulatory Authority in each particular State or Territory.

Special TLD Monitor

These monitors are used in special situations such as in uranium and mineral sand mining operations where conditions may be dusty and in laboratories where there is a significant risk of radioactive contamination. The monitor is comprised of a TLD monitor that is sealed in a plastic envelope prior to issue.