Barium ( Ba-133) that is used to detect the density content of material using backscatter from a small gamma source. Detecting unexpected differences in the density of material of the material being examined identifies hidden contraband.

The device is distributed to users under the general license authorized by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission ( NRC ) and most Agreement States.

The sealed source is mounted in the center of a tungsten carbide rotating drum

Having a single aperture on the surface of the drum. Squeezing the trigger causes the drum to rotate permitting the gamma rays to exit the device. A red indicator visibly indicates the open position. When the trigger is released, the drum rotates back to the safe position.

The device is labeled with:

- The radiation symbol

- The words " caution radioactive material "

- Identifies the type and quantity of material

- Date of assay

- The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer

Devices distributed prior to March 1996 contain 100 uCi of Ba-133, while those distributed since that time contain only 10 uCi. A radiation profile of the 100 uCi device indicates a maximum dose rate reading of 0.5 mR/hr at 5 cm from the device ( with the shutter open )and 0.08 mR/hr at the same distance with the shutter closed.

When stored in its shipping container, the highest reading at 5 cm from any surface

Is 0.022 mR/hr.

Of course the readings would be approximately 1/10 tenth of those identified above for the 10 Uci device.

The manufacturer has indicated that devices have withstood drops onto concrete and asphalt from heights of over 20 feet, as well as being run over by a tractor trailer, without damage to the source shutter mechanism.

In the event of a fire, the plastic storage case would melt and probably deform the aluminium frame, but would not affect the tungsten carbide source housing and shutter.

No dosimetry, leak testing or periodic surveys are required for this device.

Sufficient training is familiarity with the instruction manual for the device.

The instruction manual adequately addresses storage, transportation and disposal of the unit, as well as emergency actions to be taken if the unit is damaged,

This device is transported in excepted packaging as an " Instrument and Article"

It should be stored in its shipping case in a locked cabinet/area when not being used.

NOTE: No posting is required for this device due to the limited amount of material used. Transfer to a licensed disposal agency is required for proper disposal of the device,

Under the current AR 385-11, a Department of the Army Authorization ( DARA )is required for the possession and use and use of any radioactive material that is no covered under a Major Subordinate Command NRC License or DARA.

Therefore even though this device is not particularly hazardous and there are not a lot of controls required to be implemented, a DARA would be required for this device.

HOWEVER IT SHOULD BE NOTED that draft regulation AR 11-xx ( replacing

AR 385-11 ) would not require a DARA for this device. Of course, the requirement for a DARA is for US army agencies only. If the " owning unit " is a state or local team outside the realm of the ARNG, the DARA would not be required. Nor would the SRPO ( Senior Radiation Protection Officer ) be responsible for this device.