Radsafety News

How to Choose a Radiation Equipment Calibration Vendor

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Consider Compliance, Turnaround & Cost

When it comes to radiation equipment calibration and leak testing, your choice of vendor can make or break your compliance and operational efficiency. Whether you’re running a busy medical lab, research facility, or imaging center, working with the right partner ensures your equipment stays compliant — without unexpected delays or budget overruns.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a calibration vendor — and how RSCS stacks up.

Compliance You Can Trust

At the core of every radiation equipment calibration service should be regulatory expertise. If your vendor isn’t well-versed in NRC, state regulations, or industry standards, you could be risking more than just poor performance — you could face fines or downtime.

What to ask your vendor:

  • Are their procedures traceable to NIST standards?
  • Do they follow ISO or ANSI protocols?
  • Do they provide proper documentation for inspections or audits?

 RSCS Advantage: Our team works directly with NRC-regulated facilities and ensures all calibration and leak testing meets the latest compliance requirements. We don’t just provide service — we help you stay inspection-ready.

Turnaround Time That Matches Your Workflow

Larger vendors may offer solid reputations, but turnaround times can stretch to weeks — halting operations or forcing costly workarounds. On the flip side, smaller vendors may respond quickly but lack the infrastructure to scale or handle urgent requests.

What to ask your vendor:

  • What is their typical response and service time?
  • Can they accommodate urgent needs?
  • How do they communicate during the process?

RSCS Advantage: We pride ourselves on being agile. Most of our services are completed in days, not weeks — without sacrificing precision or compliance.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

Calibration isn’t a one-time expense — it’s part of your facility’s ongoing safety and compliance strategy. That’s why it’s important to work with a vendor that offers clear, upfront pricing without surprise fees.

What to ask your vendor:

  • Do they offer bundled services (calibration + leak testing)?
  • Are there additional costs for documentation?
  • Can you get a multi-site or multi-unit discount?

RSCS Advantage: We offer simple, transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Whether it’s a single unit or a multi-facility system, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting — and what it costs.

 Final Thoughts: What Sets RSCS Apart

RSCS is uniquely positioned to provide the reliability and responsiveness that labs and clinics need today. We combine the capabilities of a large vendor with the flexibility of a local partner — so you get fast, compliant service without the usual headaches.

 Ready to Simplify Your Calibration Process?

Learn more or contact our calibration lab today to get a quote or schedule your next service. Our team is ready to help you stay compliant, efficient, and inspection-ready.

Reflections on a Career in Nuclear

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Reflections on a Career in Nuclear

After nearly five decades in the nuclear field, Bill Cash—one of our most respected colleagues—has retired, closing a chapter marked by technical leadership, cross-sector consulting, and a deep commitment to radiation safety. We sat down with him to reflect on his career journey, the evolution of the nuclear industry, and his advice to the next generation of professionals.

A Journey Through Decades of Change in the Nuclear Field

Bill’s career began in the 1970s with a nuclear engineering degree from what was then Lowell Tech (now the University of Massachusetts Lowell), followed by a master’s degree from the University of Florida. It was a time when nuclear energy was still the “new frontier” in power generation.

He started his professional journey as a Radiation Protection (RP) technician at Maine Yankee, later joining Yankee Atomic Electric Company as an engineer in Southborough, MA. There, he provided technical support for multiple operating nuclear units, focusing on emergency planning and outage operations.

In 1979—around the time of the Three Mile Island (TMI) accident—he joined the team at Seabrook Station. “There was no internet back then,” he recalled. “We learned about TMI by making phone calls. It was a bellwether event that changed everything—ushering in significant regulatory changes and the formation of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).”

Bill spent 13 years at Seabrook Station, progressing from foreman to Radiation Protection Manager (RPM) and holding roles in chemistry and project management. After officially retiring in 2008, he transitioned into consulting work for RSCS beginning in 2009. At RSCS, his projects have ranged from uranium enrichment in Mexico to acting as the Radiation Safety Officer at Harvard University, with a strong preference for hands-on technical work.

Renewing Focus on Technical Excellence

Reflecting on industry trends, Bill observed a decline in the number of professionals with deep, practical expertise in radiation safety. “Many come in with degrees but don’t have the practical, field-based experience needed. And once they’re working full-time, they don’t have time to catch up,” he explained.

He emphasized that hands-on experience is irreplaceable: “If you’re going into radiation safety, get in the field. Provide day-to-day rad support for workers. That needs to be part of your objective—especially in the first few years.”

Milestone Events That Shaped the Industry

Throughout his career, Bill witnessed major events that reshaped nuclear operations:

  • Three Mile Island (TMI): A pivotal accident that exposed the importance of operator training, leading to sweeping regulatory reforms.
  • Fukushima: An event that brought heightened awareness to emergency preparedness and the vulnerabilities of backup power systems.

He also highlighted the emerging promise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as more manageable and inherently safer than traditional large-scale reactors.

Words of Wisdom for Future Nuclear Professionals

When asked to share a parting thought for the next generation, he didn’t hesitate:

“Continue to learn. After Seabrook, I learned a lot in the 16-year period of consulting with RSCS.  Don’t be afraid to change careers—you learn by changing. There is some risk involved in that, but you’ll be glad you did.”

Bill’s legacy is one of curiosity, commitment, and continuous learning—a powerful reminder that the best nuclear professionals are those who never stop evolving.

 

How Often Do Radiation Instruments Need To Be Calibrated?

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When it comes to radiation safety, accurate readings are critical. Whether you’re working in a hospital, a nuclear power plant, a research lab, or an industrial facility, radiation detection instruments must be properly calibrated to ensure they provide reliable, accurate data. But how often should these instruments be calibrated? The answer depends on several factors, including regulatory requirements, manufacturer recommendations, instrument use, and environmental conditions.

Why Calibration Matters
Radiation detection instruments such as survey meters, dosimeters, and contamination monitors play a crucial role in protecting personnel and the environment. Calibration ensures that these instruments measure radiation levels accurately, preventing both false alarms and undetected exposures. Over time, factors like electronic drift, physical wear, and environmental exposure can affect the instrument’s performance, making regular calibration a necessity.
Regulatory Requirements
In the United States, calibration requirements are typically governed by agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Agreement States, and other regulatory bodies. For most licensees, portable radiation survey instruments must be calibrated at intervals not to exceed 12 months. This annual requirement ensures instruments remain within accuracy standards and helps facilities maintain compliance during audits or inspections.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Instrument manufacturers often provide recommended calibration intervals in their user manuals. While many align with the standard 12-month schedule, some may suggest more frequent calibration depending on the model, sensitivity, and intended use of the device. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance and maintain any warranties.
High-Use or Harsh Environments
If your instruments are used frequently or in challenging environments (such as high humidity, extreme temperatures, or dusty conditions), they may require more frequent calibration. Rough handling or exposure to contamination can also accelerate wear and tear. In these situations, facilities may implement a six-month or even quarterly calibration schedule to ensure continued accuracy and safety.
After Repair or Suspected Malfunction
Any time a radiation instrument undergoes repair or exhibits unusual readings, it should be recalibrated before being placed back into service. Even minor repairs or adjustments can affect an instrument’s accuracy, and recalibration ensures that it meets performance standards.
Routine Accuracy Checks
In addition to formal calibration, many organizations perform routine accuracy checks or source checks on a daily or weekly basis. These checks don’t replace calibration but help detect early signs of instrument drift or malfunction.
Recordkeeping and Reminders
Keeping accurate records of calibration dates, results, and due dates is essential for maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. RSCS offers automatic calibration due reminders to help customers stay on schedule.

 

Calibration Services That Meet Your Needs

At RSCS, we offer fast, reliable calibration services for a wide range of radiation detection instruments. Our team calibrates survey meters, dosimeters, contamination monitors, air samplers, neutron detectors, and more using NIST-traceable sources. We also maintain a calibration history database to support compliance and offer expedited services for customers who need a quicker turnaround.

How often do radiation instruments need to be calibrated? While the general rule is once a year, your specific needs may vary based on usage, environment, and regulatory requirements. Staying proactive about calibration not only ensures accurate radiation monitoring but also supports safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

If you’re unsure about your calibration schedule or need support managing your instrument program, contact RSCS today. We’re here to help you keep your equipment accurate, compliant, and ready when you need it. For more information visit Instrument Calibration.

NS Savannah License Termination Plan Approval Achieved

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RSCS Achieves Record-Breaking Approval for NS Savannah License Termination Plan

SEABROOK, NH, February 18, 2025 – In a groundbreaking achievement for the nuclear industry, the License Termination Plan (LTP) for the historic NS Savannah has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in record time. The approval process, managed by the client, Maritime Administration (MARAD), and supported by Radiation Safety & Control Services (RSCS) was granted this January and marks a critical milestone in the nuclear-powered merchant ship’s decommissioning process.

The LTP, a federally mandated document required for the termination of a nuclear power plant’s operating license, is typically an extensive and complex submission. The development of such a plan can take one to three years, followed by an NRC review process lasting several years. However, RSCS completed the plan for submission in October 2023 and obtained NRC approval in January 2025—just 15 months later, marking the fastest approval on record.

“This accomplishment reflects our deep expertise and proactive engagement with MARAD and the NRC throughout the process,” said RSCS Executive Director, Eric Darois, “By anticipating regulatory concerns, addressing key technical questions in advance, and maintaining open communication, MARAD and RSCS significantly streamlined the approval timeline.”
As of now, the final phase of the implementation process is nearing completion, with all remaining fieldwork expected to conclude by mid-2025. RSCS aims to submit final documentation to the NRC by the summer of 2025, paving the way for full license termination within a year—a timeline that, if achieved, will set another industry record.

This success contributes to broader industry advancements. The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has formed a decommissioning task force that includes Eric Darois and other industry experts, who are charged with developing a best-practices guide for future license termination plans. The initiative aims to streamline LTP development for nuclear plants, creating a more efficient regulatory path forward.

“The NS Savannah project’s success underscores the value of experience, strategic planning, and regulatory collaboration,” added Eric Darois. “It affirms our team’s commitment to excellence in nuclear decommissioning and regulatory compliance.”

ABOUT RSCS
For over 35 years, Radiation Safety & Control Services has provided technical consulting, training, staff augmentation, radiological environmental & engineering, and instrument support services to commercial nuclear, private industrial, medical, academic, and government facilities. RSCS’s core competence is health physics and radiation protection. RSCS professionals have experience in virtually all areas of nuclear and radiological operations, decontamination, and decommissioning. RSCS is a division of the Allied Power Platform. The Allied Power Platform was formed with Allied Power’s acquisition of Dominion Engineering and RSCS, combining industry-leading engineering, component integrity, asset management, and radiological protection services to deliver maintenance, modifications, and project services. To learn more about RSCS, visit https://www.radsafety.com/

filed under: News

 

Become a Radiation Safety Officer

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Lead your organization in safety, compliance, and operational excellence

Why do I need to take a radiation safety officer training course?

Organizations that use radioactive materials or radiation-producing devices are required to designate a certified RSO, according to regulatory agencies like the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or state health departments.

As an RSO, you are tasked with safeguarding the health and safety of personnel, the public, and the environment. RSO training equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify, mitigate, and manage radiation hazards.

What are the requirements for being a radiation safety officer?

There are no prerequisites to take our radiation safety officer training course.

The course will cover:

  • Math and Physics Review
  • Radiation and Radioactivity
  • Biological Effects
  • Radiological Hazards
  • Detection and Measurement
  • Operational Program
  • Regulatory Agencies
  • DOT Regulations

What does an RSO do?

As an RSO, you are responsible for implementing and overseeing radiation-protection programs within your organization, ensuring personnel safety and compliance with regulations. The training equips you to develop and manage radiation safety protocols effectively.

You will also learn how to identify and mitigate radiation hazards, ensuring a safer workplace and helping your organization avoid fines and other consequences of non-compliance.

Professional Development

Often, professionals are required to take the radiation safety officer training course if they are transitioning into roles involving radiation safety oversight. The course allows you to gain specialized knowledge of radiation safety practices, which you can share with your employer and co-workers. Moreover, training can enhance your career prospects within your organization and in industries like healthcare, research, manufacturing, or nuclear power.

Why RSO training at RSCS?

Whether you work in healthcare, research, industry, or energy, our RSO training course provides tailored knowledge to meet the unique needs of your sector. Along with classroom lectures and discussions, you will have hands-on practice with instrument calibration with our knowledgeable employees. In addition, you will participate in a real-world scenario to detect radioactive material using the same cutting-edge radiation simulation equipment used in NATO radiation safety training exercises.

“I genuinely loved the class. The environment and instructors are great. Information is presented in a digestible format, which is great for someone who isn’t a scientist.”

RSCS RSO Course Student

 

Taking an RSO training course is not just a requirement—it’s an investment in your professional growth and the safety of your workplace. Space is limited, enroll today!

 

2025 5-day In-Person Radiation Safety Officer Training Course, Seabrook, New Hampshire

  • September 22-26, 2025
  • April 20-24, 2026
  • July 20-24, 2026

Want more details about our RSO training course? Fill out the form below and we’ll send the info straight to your inbox.

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RSCS Acquires RACER® for Expedited Annual Environmental and Effluent Reporting

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Seabrook, NH, December 16, 2024 – Radiation Safety & Control Services (RSCS) is proud to announce the purchase of SaaS application RACER® from Risk Assessment Corporation (RAC).  As part of this acquisition, RSCS has established a teaming arrangement with de maximis Data Management Solutions (ddms) for the support, maintenance, and continued development of the software.

“The addition of RACER® to our radiation safety services enables us to help customers streamline their annual environmental and effluent reporting,” said James P. Tarzia, RSCS Principal and Executive Director.

Annual environmental and effluent reporting involves the documentation and submission of data related to environmental impacts and effluent discharges by nuclear power plants and other radiological waste sites. Such reporting is required by regulatory agencies to ensures compliance with environmental laws and standards.

RACER® enables data vendors to upload information directly into the system saving time and reducing the chance of errors. The NISP annual report template is automatically populated with REMP, RGPP, and RETS data from RACER.

RACER® is an innovative and interactive SaaS platform that compiles environmental data to achieve:

  • A single, centralized web-accessible location for managing and accessing environmental and effluent data
  • Decision-making and communication about risks from radionuclides and chemicals in the environment
  • Pattern and trend analysis for anomaly detection
  • Automated environmental and effluent report generation (e.g., AREOR and ARERR) coming in early 2025.

RACER® facilitates access to and use of environmental measurement data for various applications, from basic data evaluation to more complex dose and risk calculations. RACER® integrates science with data management expertise, informed by years of experience in environmental dose and risk assessment. The result is an application that supports technically sound decision-making and effective communication with all stakeholders.

“ddms looks forward to our continued support of RACER® on behalf of RSCS. We are excited about the significant benefits it has to offer the nuclear power industry,” said Mark Packard, ddms CEO.

For more information or to request a demo of RACER, please contact [email protected] or visit www.radsafety.com/services/racer.

ABOUT RSCS

Radiation Safety & Control Services, located in Seabrook, NH, has been in business for over 35 years. RSCS provides technical consulting, training, staff augmentation, radiological environmental & engineering, and instrument support services to commercial nuclear, private industrial, medical, academic, and government facilities. RSCS’s core competence is health physics and radiation protection. RSCS professionals have experience in virtually all areas of nuclear and radiological operations, decontamination, and decommissioning. RSCS is a division of the Allied Power Platform. The Allied Power Platform was formed with Allied Power’s acquisition of Dominion Engineering and RSCS, combining industry-leading engineering, component integrity, asset management, and radiological protection services to deliver maintenance, modifications, and project services. To learn more about RSCS, visit https://www.radsafety.com/.

filed under: News

 

Allied Power Appoints Mike Little as CEO

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Baton Rouge, La., November 19, 2024 – Allied Power (“Allied” or the “Company”), a full-service provider of power plant services and a Bernhard Capital Partners portfolio company, today announced the appointment of Mike Little as Chief Executive Officer. As part of the Company’s long-term leadership succession planning process, Mr. Little succeeds Dean Sack, who has retired after over seven years with Allied Power.

In his new role, Mr. Little will lead Allied Power’s core maintenance, modifications, and construction business for nuclear and fossil power generation clients, and will drive integration and growth strategies for engineering, projects, radiation protection, and other adjacent technical services.

“I am thrilled to step into this role and lead a world-class organization like Allied Power at such an exciting time in the power sector,” said Mr. Little. “I am deeply passionate about supporting our incredible team and clients, and am committed to providing strong continuity of the high standards and expectations that have made Allied Power successful for many years. I am grateful to Dean for his leadership and contributions, and look forward to continuing to shape Allied Power’s legacy with the same level of excellence and integrity that he has.”

Prior to his appointment as Allied Power’s CEO, Mr. Little was previously named Allied Power President in 2023. Before joining Allied Power, Mr. Little served in progressive technical and leadership positions at Dominion Engineering, Inc. (“Dominion”) for over 23 years, including serving as the company’s President and CEO since 2019. Under his leadership, Dominion experienced significant growth, expanding its global client base, brand presence and reputation, and market share of specialized engineering and outage services in the nuclear power sector. 

“Mike is a recognized strategic leader with unmatched nuclear and power industry experience,” said Mark Spender, Allied Power Board President and Partner at Bernhard Capital. “With strong tailwinds for investment in new and existing power generation infrastructure driven by increasing power demand from data centers and other offtakers, Mike is a great fit to strengthen and expand Allied Power’s services while enabling power industry clients to capitalize on prevailing market conditions.”   

“It has been an honor to be part of Allied’s growth,” said Mr. Sack. “I am confident that Mike is the right leader to build on our momentum and I look forward to Allied’s continued success in this next chapter.”

Mr. Little holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University.

Learn more about Allied Power here. 

About Allied Power
Allied Power is a diversified, full-service provider of power plant services spanning the entire asset life cycle. The Allied Power team and leadership has vast experience in the utility industry and expertise in power generation. Utilizing this expertise, Allied Power is able to provide customers with proven, practical, and innovative approaches that maximize the efficiency and cost effectiveness of utilities without sacrificing safety or quality. Allied Power provides a full range of maintenance, modifications, construction, projects, engineering and radiation protection services for nuclear and power generation clients. To learn more at Allied Power, visit https://www.alliedpwr.com.

About Bernhard Capital Partners
Bernhard Capital Partners is a services and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm established in 2013. Bernhard Capital Partners has deployed capital in four funds across several strategies, has approximately $4.4 billion of gross assets under management. Bernhard Capital Partners seeks to create sustainable value by leveraging its experience in acquiring, operating and growing services and infrastructure businesses. For more information, visit www.BernhardCapital.com.

Contacts

Allied Power
Suzanne Myers
Marketing Director / Media Contact
[email protected]
703-657-7349

Bernhard Capital Partners
Ed Trissel / Erik Carlson / Madeline Jones
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449

RSCS Volunteer in Action

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How Emily Roy Is Inspiring Self-Confidence in Young Girls

When not leading accounting and finance at RSCS, Emily Roy spends two days a week as a Coach with Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization that offers programs designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others.

girls on the run

“I had just moved to the area and wanted to be involved in the community,” explains Emily Roy, Director of Accounting and Finance at RSCS. Trained volunteer coaches like Emily use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional, and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits for life.

“I enjoy volunteering. I’ve been fostering dogs through Paws New England for a while now. I’ve fostered 14 dogs and helped place them in forever homes, but I also want to help people,” says Emily. She looked at various programs and contacted Girls on the Run. Initially, they did not have an open position, but soon enough, the Marston Elementary School program in Hampton, NH, needed a coach. Twice a week, Emily goes to the school to work with girls in grades three to five.

There is more to volunteering than just helping at practices, though. Emily spends time beforehand reading lesson plans, setting up supplies, and assisting girls with a community project. “The girls placed post-it notes with encouraging words around the school for their community project.”

What Emily enjoys most about volunteering for the program is simply being with the girls. “They come up and talk to me and tell me how their day is going. They are sweet girls, and I find the whole experience rewarding.”

The 8-week program culminates in a 5K race run by 500 Girls on the Run participants across New Hampshire. Although the fall program will end in November, Emily looks forward to volunteering for the spring season.

“Girls on the Run is about more than running,” says Emily. “It’s about embracing star power, going at your own happy pace, and encouraging each other. I wish I had something like that when I was growing up.”

RSCS encourages employees to give back to their communities by participating in volunteer programs. To find volunteer opportunities in your community, visit www.volunteermatch.org.

The Hazmat Guys And FLIR Review The New SIM-Teq RIDTag At The 2024 New England Hazmat Conference

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Check out a recent demonstration of one of RSCS’ latest SIM-Teq training products—the RIDTag, paired with a real FLIR identiFINDER R425 radioisotope identification device. The demonstration was recorded at the 2024 New England Hazmat Conference and features Chris Skrocki, Senior Sales Manager from Teledyne FLIR, and The Hazmat Guys’ Co-Founder and COO, Mike Monaco.

RSCS recently showcased our SIM-Teq products at this year’s New England Hazmat Conference, demonstrating their features and capabilities to the local first responders. SIM-Teq enables first responders to practice radiation response procedures using real radiation detection devices that respond to simulated radioactive sources; eliminating the risk of radiation exposure and transforming the way we train.

The 2024 New England Hazmat Conference, held in March at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, offered great views and engaging conversations. Vendors and attendees discussed strategies for improving preparedness for hazardous conditions to ensure the safety of our first responders.

For more information about the RIDTag and other SIM-Teq products, visit SIM-Teq.com

filed under: News

 

RSCS Unveils New Online Training Platform—RSCS Academy

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RSCS is proud to announce that our renowned training is now available online with our new web-based training platform—RSCS Academy. RSCS has long been recognized by the Health Physics Society as experts in the field of radiation safety and has been providing American Academy of Health Physics approved courses since 1992.

Our online courses were authored by training professionals and reviewed by Certified Health Physicists, and are objective-based to meet INPO, EPRI, NRC, DOD, and DOE standards and requirements. We offer a variety of technical courses such as Radiation Safety Officer and Radiation Safety Fundamentals, as well as over 400 professional development courses.

The new platform is optimized for desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, allowing students to take self-paced courses from their home, office, or on the go.

To learn more about our training services visit radsafety.com/training

To view ourRSCS Academy course catalog, visit academy.radsafety.com

filed under: News

 
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