Dose rates at individual dwell points in a 60Co irradiation plant have been measured using electronic data recording and chemical dosimetry techniques. The measurements have been compared with calculations of the dose rate distribution using point kernel modelling. A description is given of a radiation resistant magnetic tape-based data recording system that travels through the plant in an irradiation container. Values of dose rate and temperature are stored every 30s with a total recording time of up to 8h. Dose rate distribution and integral dose data obtained from the electronic recorder were found to be in good overall agreement with chemical dosimetry and modelling.