In general, radiation shielding systems that shield radiation from multiple directions are described. In one embodiment, a method of shielding radiation is provided, including supporting a shielding device on an object proximate a radiation source, positioning a first shielding portion in a vertical position relative to the object, positioning a second shielding portion to extend away from the first portion, the second shielding portion attached to the first portion, and shielding radiation from the radiation source by the first shielding portion and the second shielding portion such that the first and second shielding portions provide a radiation shielding zone for a healthcare practitioner.

A gauge is provided for measuring one or more characteristics of a construction material such as a road surface. The gauge includes a detector, a base that carries the detector, and a source housing carried by the base and defining a shield material circumferentially extending inwards. A source rod is positioned within the housing and carries a source that is translatable between a shielded position within the housing and a measuring position external of the housing. The source rod has a source shield on the top thereof and a shield material spaced-downwardly from the source such that the source is completely enclosed when contained within the base.

A gauge is provided for measuring one or more characteristics of a construction material such as a road surface. The gauge includes a detector, a base that carries the detector, and a source housing carried by the base and defining a shield material circumferentially extending inwards. A source rod is positioned within the housing and carries a source that is translatable between a shielded position within the housing and a measuring position external of the housing. The source rod has a source shield on the top thereof and a shield material spaced-downwardly from the source such that the source is completely enclosed when contained within the base.

Disclosed are various embodiments of a simplified economic ventilated metal storage system (SEVMSS) for enabling hazardous radioactive spent nuclear fuel in a contaminated pool to be loaded and stored in a metal canister and then placed within a passively ventilated metal overpack on a dry storage pad, without use of a transfer cask. The embodiments use an insert ring and a basin cup at respectively the top and bottom of the overpack to seal the annulus space of the overpack while the overpack resides in the pool. After cooling of the overpack and removal from the pool, the insert ring is replaced with a vented lid and the basin cup is removed. The overpack with canister is then placed on the dry storage pad with a seismic stability ring attached to its bottom or is placed in a recessed opening of a ventilated storage pad.

Disclosed are various embodiments of a simplified economic ventilated metal storage system (SEVMSS) for enabling hazardous radioactive spent nuclear fuel in a contaminated pool to be loaded and stored in a metal canister and then placed within a passively ventilated metal overpack on a dry storage pad, without use of a transfer cask. The embodiments use an insert ring and a basin cup at respectively the top and bottom of the overpack to seal the annulus space of the overpack while the overpack resides in the pool. After cooling of the overpack and removal from the pool, the insert ring is replaced with a vented lid and the basin cup is removed. The overpack with canister is then placed on the dry storage pad with a seismic stability ring attached to its bottom or is placed in a recessed opening of a ventilated storage pad.