Health Physics
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) provides health physics solutions in a number of technical areas for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as well as other federal and state agencies.
ORISE houses a state-of-the-art radiochemistry laboratory where we analyze radioactive materials. We also maintain a suite of portable detection, measurement, and calibration instruments. These include environmental media sampling and monitoring equipment, hand held and laboratory spectrometers, and a neutron activation laboratory used for evaluations ranging from routine environmental surveillance to emergency response applications.
Our capabilities include:
Applied Health Physics Evaluations/Investigations
We help our customers identify, measure, and assess the presence of radiological materials.
Audit Services for Radiological Facilities
We have DOE-approved auditors who conduct radiological control audits of treatment storage and disposal (TSDF) facilities for the DOE Consolidated Audit Program (DOECAP). The audit is designed to confirm the facility has an adequate radiological control program in place.
Instrumentation Assessments
We verify the performance of radiological instruments to ensure they will provide accurate measurements.
Standards Development
Our knowledge and experience is requested in the development of technical standards and guidelines. Staff members were active participants in the preparation of Department of Homeland Security ANSI standards, an IAEA standard on interdiction of nuclear materials and ASTM standards on safeguards and security and nondestructive assay.
Health Physics Training
We offer hands-on, laboratory-based training in a variety of health physics courses, including our noteworthy five-week applied health physics course, and multiple one week offerings such as introduction to radiation safety, medical health physics, environmental monitoring, air sampling, and a Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) overview.
