Why must a survey meter be used at the end of the day?

Using a survey meter at the end of the day is essential to verify that the source is properly shielded. This action ensures that any radioactive sources or materials used during the day have been adequately contained and that no radiation is escaping into the environment. Proper shielding is crucial to protect both personnel and the public from unnecessary exposure to radiation. By measuring radiation levels with a survey meter, one can confirm that the shielding is effective and that all sources are secured before leaving the worksite. This practice helps maintain safety standards and compliance with regulatory guidelines regarding radiation protection.

In this context, while assessing equipment storage and monitoring exposure durations are important aspects of safety protocols, they do not directly address the immediate concern of verifying that no radiation is present due to improperly shielded sources. Thus, the primary purpose of using a survey meter at the end of the day focuses on ensuring proper shielding of radioactive materials.