Take Advantage of the APNGA Glossary

Radionuclide: An atom with an unstable nucleus which undergoes radioactive decay. A radioactive nuclide.

Are there terms you don't understand when reading through a training manual, filling out an application, or searching through our Frequently Asked Questions? If so, we want to point you toward our online glossary.

This glossary, which can be found at APNGA.com/glossary.html, serves as a dictionary of sorts for the various terms we use in our manuals and online publications. If there's a term you don't understand in the context of the nuclear industry, simply browse over to the glossary, click on the letter that the word starts with, and view its glossary definition.

Nuclear Gauge Training FAQs

Thinking of taking a nuclear gauge training class? Take a look at these answers from APNGA before making a final decision:

Where does radiation come from?

Radiation is naturally present in our environment, as it has been since before the birth of this planet. In addition, radiation can be produced artificially, as in medical x-rays and microwaves for cooking. Nonetheless, most people are not aware of all the natural and man-made sources of radiation in our environment.

Why do you need to be careful around radiation?

For the same reason we need to be careful around open flame, toxic chemicals, or knives. Used and stored properly, for example, a knife can help us prepare and eat food; misused, it can cause injury and possibly death. Similarly, when handled correctly, radioactive materials have many beneficial uses; misused, however, it can pose a significant danger. Ionization can cause damage within a cell, which could eventually lead to cancer, a mutation in genetic material, or more immediate types of physical harm to humans.

If radiation is dangerous, why do we use radioactive material?

One could think of radioactive materials as a knife. Used and stored properly, a knife can help us prepare and eat food; misused, it can cause injury and possibly death. Similarly, when handled correctly, radioactive materials have many beneficial medical, industrial, and academic uses.

Learn more at APNGA's FAQs Page.

Nuclear Gauge Training Classes from APNGA

The American Portable Nuclear Gauge Association (APNGA) offers a variety of classes that give takers the ability to earn from the comfort of their home a nuclear gauge certification. Our classes include:

• Online Nuclear Gauge Safety Class (this includes a HAZMAT certification)

• Annual employee refresher (required yearly for audits)

• U.S.D.O.T. HAZMAT Refresher Class

You will find more available at www.APNGA.com. These certifications are accepted in every state except New Hampshire.

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Information

Being a radiation safety officer (RSO) is not the world’s easiest job. If you choose to undertake this position, you will be placed under the spotlight. Cutting corners and avoiding regulations is a big no-no. Your actions will always be monitored. Before you decide to fill this role, the American Portable Nuclear Gauge Association (APNGA) recommends you:

Learn what an RSO is.

As an RSO, you will be responsible for radiological safety pertaining to all facets of radioactive materials. You are obligated to ensure all licensed activities are executed in proper compliance.

Learn what it means to be an RSO.

Becoming an RSO illustrates you possess the training, expertise, tools, time, stamina and professional standing within your organization or company. It’s an honor that should not be taken lightly. All responsibility lies at your feet, although you can delegate certain tasks.

Learn about the time it takes.

If the RSO role in your company is an ancillary assignment, time might be an issue. Still, it can bode well for small programs if the person has frequent contact with other users.

There are two big questions you will need to ask yourself before accepting the assignment:

Do you have clout?

Authority is packaged with the role. Do people listen to you? Is your salary or performance review controlled by someone you may have to tell no? Then it could be a problem.

Do you want to do it?

An RSO is akin to a cop. You won’t always be popular. You may to say no. You’re a regulator, so you’ll have to be able to regulate effectively.

Want to know more? Visit www.APNGA.com.

Nuclear Gauge Certifications from APNGA

The American Portable Nuclear Gauge Association (APNGA) offers training classes that give you the ability to earn from home a nuclear gauge certification. Our classes include:

• Online Nuclear Gauge Safety Class (this includes a HAZMAT certification)
• Annual employee refresher (required yearly for audits)
• U.S.D.O.T. HAZMAT Refresher Class

You will find more available at www.APNGA.com. These certifications are accepted in every state except New Hampshire.