Which of the following describes the function of survey meters?

Survey meters are essential tools in radiation safety, designed primarily to assess radiation levels in various environments. Their primary function is to ensure the safety of personnel working in areas where radioactive materials may be present. By measuring the intensity of radiation, survey meters help identify areas that may pose a health risk due to radiation exposure, thereby facilitating proper safety protocols and protective measures.

Being versatile instruments, survey meters can detect various types of radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, which makes them critical in diverse applications beyond legal compliance or monitoring environmental changes. While certain survey meters may be utilized in legal contexts, their core purpose is focused on evaluating radiation levels for safety and health protection rather than specifically ensuring compliance.

In summary, survey meters are indispensable for properly assessing radiation levels, making option A the most accurate description of their function.