ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

Which device is primarily used to measure exposure rates?

1. Geiger counter

2. Fluke meter

3. Survey meter

4. Dosimeter

The correct answer is: Survey meter

The survey meter is primarily used to measure exposure rates in radiation safety practices. This device is designed to provide real-time readings of radiation levels in an environment, allowing users to assess potential exposure risks quickly. Survey meters generally use sensors that respond to ionizing radiation, enabling them to quantify the exposure rate, often displayed in units such as microsieverts per hour or millirems per hour. While other devices like the Geiger counter also measure radiation, the survey meter often offers broader capabilities in terms of detecting multiple types of radiation and providing more detailed readouts suited for different exposure conditions. The fluke meter is typically used for measuring electrical quantities rather than radiation exposure, and dosimeters are designed to record the total accumulated dose of radiation exposure over time for an individual rather than providing immediate exposure rate measurements.