What equipment is necessary to monitor radiation levels in a room, specifically for 60Co rooms?

The appropriate equipment to monitor radiation levels in a room, particularly for rooms utilizing cobalt-60 (60Co), is a zone monitor. Zone monitors are specifically designed for continuous monitoring of radiation levels within defined areas, providing real-time data on exposure levels. This is critical in ensuring the safety of personnel and preventing overexposure in environments where radioactive materials are present.

Zone monitors can detect changes in radiation levels and trigger alarms if levels exceed predetermined thresholds, making them an essential safety feature in locations where 60Co is used. This capability helps maintain a safe working environment by alerting users to potentially hazardous conditions.

While survey monitors, Geiger counters, and personnel monitors each have their specific roles in radiation safety, they are not typically used for the continuous ambient monitoring of designated areas such as 60Co therapy rooms in the same way that zone monitors are. Survey monitors provide more general assessments, Geiger counters focus on detecting specific types of radiation, and personnel monitors track the exposure of individual workers instead of the overall room environment.