The St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) has recently bolstered its testing capabilities with the acquisition of advanced radiation equipment. This state-of-the-art equipment will significantly enhance the lab’s ability to monitor and manage radiation levels, ensuring public safety and compliance with the bureau’s mandate.
The new equipment includes three electronic personal alarming dosimeters designed for measuring the occupational load of workers around radiation sources such as x-ray and gamma radiation. Dosimeters will become mandatory for all occupationally exposed workers at medical facilities. This will be monitored quarterly. These devices will provide immediate alerts to inspection personnel about radiation exposure, ensuring their safety during testing and inspection procedures. Additionally, the SKNBS has acquired a handheld portable survey meter for x-ray and gamma radiation, a telescopic gamma dose rate meter, and a surface contamination monitor capable of detecting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
This cutting-edge technology will augment the SKNBS’ existing capabilities, particularly at the St. Christopher Air and Seaport Authority (SCASPA) where imported vehicles are routinely tested for radiation. The Bureau has been instrumental in conducting these essential tests, ensuring that all imported vehicles meet stringent safety standards and do not pose any radiological threats to our citizens.
In a forward-looking move, the Bureau plans to extend its radiation source monitoring to hospitals across the federation. This initiative will provide numerous benefits, including enhanced patient safety, hospital staff safety, early detection of contamination and public health assurance.
Director of the SKNBS, Mr Stuart LaPlace, expressed enthusiasm about the new equipment, stating, “This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect the public from radiation hazards. With these advanced tools, we are better equipped to perform comprehensive testing, not only at the ports but soon within our healthcare facilities as well. We are establishing safety standards and protocols to protect both staff and patients at these facilities in a proactive manner.”
The introduction of this sophisticated radiation detection technology marks a pivotal enhancement in the SKNBS’ capabilities, reflecting its dedication to safeguarding the health and safety of the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.
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