TITLE:
Assessment of Optimal Use, Maintenance, Repair and Calibration of Radiation Monitoring Instruments in Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Samuel Mofolorunsho Oyeyemi, Olumide Olaife Akerele, Sunday Ufuoma Obarhua, Francis Adole Agada, Wasiu Kofoworola Ayuba, Helen Enikpi Alakiu, David Olakanmi Olaniyi, Ethel Ebere Ofoegbu
KEYWORDS:
Radiation Monitoring Instruments, Detectors, Calibration, Radiation Safety Officers, PackEye, Radionuclide Identifinder, Personal Radiation Detectors
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology,
Vol.15 No.1,
January
6,
2025
ABSTRACT: The response and performance of radiation detectors for accurate measurements and effective use for radiological safety in medical, industrial, and nuclear sectors are based on the optimal use, maintenance, repair and calibration of radiation monitoring instruments in a secondary standard dosimetry laboratory. In Nigeria, the suboptimal performances of these instruments are attributed to inadequate maintenance practices, insufficient calibration, and limited awareness of proper equipment handling for optimal use. This study assesses the current practices related to the optimal use, maintenance, repair, and calibration of radiation detection equipment across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Using a cross-sectional survey approach, data were collected from Ninety (90) radiation monitoring equipment operators, Radiation Safety Officers, and frontline responders to evaluate their knowledge, awareness, and practices concerning equipment usage, operation, storage, handling, and calibration. The findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge of usage (trained is 43.2%, not trained is 56.8%) and inconsistencies in maintenance practices (as indicated by the regression analysis (β = 0.51, p