These various radiation meters were originally procured and/or used by the NSW government agencies including the former State Pollution Control Commission (SPCC), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), and possibly the NSW Department of Health. These agencies, collectively over the years regulated the use of radiation apparatus (for example x-ray machines used in medical diagnostics) and radioactive substances (for example cobalt-60 used in industrial gauging applications).

The equipment was used to measure the type and intensity of radiation and it exemplifies one of the many aspects of regulation administered by government health departments and augments the Museum's collection of measuring instruments and workplace health and safety material.

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

Radcal is the recognized leader in radiation and invasive measurements for medical X-ray Quality Assurance, X-ray test and X-ray compliance. Other applications include, but are not limited to industrial X-ray and nuclear power ionizing radiation measurements. Radcal's reputation had it's beginnings in 1975 with the introduction of the MDH 1015. The 1015 was designed for the FDA as an easy-to-use, reliable and accurate radiation measurement instrument.

Radiation monitor, 'X-ray Monitor Model 2025', metal / plastic, made by Radcal Corporation, Monrovia, California, United States of America, 1997

The x-ray monitor is housed in a hard black carry case. Inside is a monitor, power cord, and two accompanying ion cambers. The monitor is a beige colour and has a readout screen, three black switches and five red lights on the front of it. The probes both have beige chambers with extending probes attached, one a pancake type probe and one a rod type probe.

This radiation monitor is a portable instrument designed for verifying proper operation of diagnostic x-ray machines, fluroscopes and other radiation sources. The monitor uses an air-equivalent ion chamber with uniform response over a wide energy range in conjunction with a current-to-frequency converter and digital processing techniques to measure exposure rate and exposure.
The unit feature portable operation with battery life time exceeding 1000 operating hours before replacement. The machine provides for the 'quick check' needs of a hospital without demanding in depth training in the use of quality assurance equipment.

Made: 1997

2007/60/6

1997