If a radiographer's survey meter is showing 0 near the source, what should the radiographer assume?

When a radiographer’s survey meter shows a reading of 0 near a radiation source, the most logical assumption is that the meter may be in an inoperable state. A properly functioning survey meter should detect radiation levels when in proximity to an active source, assuming the source is indeed active and there are no significant shielding or other factors affecting the reading.

If the meter reads zero in the presence of a known radioactive source, it may indicate that the instrument is not working correctly – either due to a malfunction or improper calibration. Therefore, it is prudent to suspect the equipment itself before concluding anything about the radiation conditions or the presence of the source.

This assumption emphasizes the importance of regularly testing and maintaining survey meters to ensure safety in environments where radiation is present, as relying on an inoperable meter could lead to dangerous situations for the radiographer and those around them.