The individual being monitored places themselves in contact with the side detectors, thereby decreasing the distance from any source to the detectors. This increases the side detector efficiency by approximately a factor of 2 to 4, depending on the isotope of concern. Overall, the two-step measurement mode allows for better detection of ?hot particles? and internally deposited contamination (i.e., passive monitoring).
The user approaches the PM-7 from either direction. Once inside the portal, the PM-7 Ready lights will remain on until the user breaks one of the photoelectric switch beams installed across the side panels. The PM-7 will turn off the Ready lights and sound its recount alarm (Recount lights [white] on and sonalert beeping intermittently) if the user attempts to leave the portal without completing both measurements. The user chooses either side of the PM-7 to perform the first measurement, and positions against the chosen side (the PM-7's diagonal beam and the beam across the side detectors must both be broken in order that the PM-7 perform a measurement). The PM-7 signals it is counting by turning off the Ready lights, turning on the Counting lights (yellow), and emitting a short beep (if enabled).
At the completion of the first measurement, the PM-7 turns off its Counting lights and emits a chime if there has been no contamination alarm, indicating that it is time for the user to position against the second side of the PM-7. If the user attempts to leave the portal at this point, the PM-7 will sound its recount alarm until the user is back in the portal, breaking the diagonal beam, or until the PM-7's Alarm Hold Time is exhausted.
The user now positions against the other side of the PM-7 (the PM-7's diagonal beam and the beam across the side detectors must both be broken in order that the PM-7 perform a measurement). The PM-7 signals it is counting by turning off the Ready lights, turning on the Counting lights, and emitting a short beep (if enabled).
At the completion of the second measurement, the PM-7 turns off its Counting lights and emits a chime if there has been no contamination alarm, indicating that the user may now exit. In the event of a contamination alarm during either of the two measurements, the PM-7 turns off its Counting lights, turns on its Contamination lights (red), and turns on its sonalert.