An analysis of effect of local exhaust ventilation on tritium surface contamination in a governmental facility

Abstract

<p>The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of local exhaust ventilation on tritium surface contamination in a governmental maintenance and repair facility. Samples for this study were drawn from quarterly and suspected contamination swipes over a six year period and analyzed for tritium contamination utilizing a scintillation technique. The dependent variable selected was a measurement which determined whether tritium surface contamination was present. Three models were utilized to help determine the relationships between the independent variables ("location," "time," "swipe," and "test,") and the dependent variable (tritium surface contamination). Logistical regression was used to analyze radiation contamination. Through this, it was demonstrated that a significant relationship exists between "swipe" and tritium surface contamination. The evidence also indicates there is a difference between "test," pre-local exhaust ventilation and post-local exhaust ventilation, and tritium surface contamination.</p>