Dosimeters are used to measure and monitor ionizing radiation exposure. They play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of workers in various industries. However, their effectiveness hinges on adherence to stringent regulations and standards. In this article, we delve into the regulations that govern their use.
Regulations Which Require the Use of Dosimetry
There are two primary top tier documents that require the use of dosimetry.
For Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees the document is 10CFR20. For the Department of Energy (DOE) complex the document is 10CFR835. Both documents are similar in nature.
Accreditation of Dosimetry Processors
Requirement for NRC Licensees:
All personnel dosimeters (except for direct and indirect reading pocket ionization chambers and those dosimeters used to measure the dose to the extremities) that require processing to determine the radiation dose and that are used by licensees to comply must be processed and evaluated by a dosimetry processor—
(1) Holding current personnel dosimetry accreditation from the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP); and
(2) Approved in this accreditation process for the type of radiation or radiations included in the NVLAP program that most closely approximates the type of radiation or radiations for which the individual wearing the dosimeter is monitored.
Requirement for the DOE complex:
External dose monitoring programs implemented shall be adequate to demonstrate compliance with the dose limits established and shall be:
(1) Accredited, or excepted from accreditation, in accordance with the DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) for Personnel Dosimetry; or
(2) Determined by the Secretarial Officer responsible for environment, safety and health matters to have performance substantially equivalent to that of programs accredited under the DOELAP for Personnel Dosimetry.
Occupational Dose Limits
Regulatory agencies establish dose limits that workers should not exceed over specific time periods. Although NRC limits are listed here and below, the DOE has slightly different regulations for minors & members of the public.
Occupational dose limits for adults (10CFR20.1201).
The licensee shall control the occupational dose to individual adults, except for planned special exposures, to the following dose limits.
An annual limit, which is the more limiting of—
(i) The total effective dose equivalent being equal to 5 rems (0.05 Sv); or
(ii) The sum of the deep-dose equivalent and the committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue other than the lens of the eye being equal to 50 rems (0.5 Sv).
The annual limits which are:
(i) A lens dose equivalent of 15 rems (0.15 Sv), and
(ii) A shallow-dose equivalent of 50 rem (0.5 Sv) to the skin of the whole body or to the skin of any extremity.
The annual occupational dose limits for minors are 10 percent of the annual dose limits specified for adult workers (10CRF20.1207).
The total effective dose equivalent to individual members of the public does not exceed 0.1 rem (1 mSv) in a year (10CFR20.1301).
The dose equivalent to the embryo/fetus during the entire pregnancy, due to the occupational exposure of a declared pregnant woman, does not exceed 0.5 rem (5 mSv) (10CRF20.1208).
Conditions Requiring Individual Monitoring of External Occupational Dose (10CFR20.1502)
Exposures shall be monitored to radiation and radioactive material when…
(1) Adults likely to receive, in 1 year, in excess of 10 percent of the annual limits
(2) Minors likely to receive, in 1 year, from radiation sources external to the body, a deep dose equivalent in excess of 0.1 rem (1 mSv), a lens dose equivalent in excess of 0.15 rem (1.5 mSv), or a shallow dose equivalent to the skin or to the extremities in excess of 0.5 rem (5 mSv);
(3) Declared pregnant women likely to receive during the entire pregnancy, from radiation sources external to the body, a deep dose equivalent in excess of 0.1 rem (1 mSv);2 and
(4) Individuals entering a high or very high radiation area.
Recording and Reporting Requirements: Both NRC and DOE regulations mandate the recording and reporting of highly detailed dosimeter readings. Radiation monitoring with dosimeters ensures that working professionals are aware of potential exposure to harmful doses of radiation.
Placement: Proper dosimeter placement on individuals is critical for accurate measurements. Regulations instruct where and how dosimeters should be worn. Whole body dosimeters are typically worn between the neck and the waist.
Training and Education: Regulatory standards often require a stated level of training for workers who use dosimeters or work in environments where radiation exposure is a concern.
Organizations That Require the Use of Dosimeters
Governmental agencies and regulatory bodies conduct inspections and audits to enforce compliance with dosimeter use requirements. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or even suspension of operations, underscoring the importance of adhering to established standards. Dosimeter regulations are typically governed by governmental agencies and international standards organizations.
Federal
In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish guidelines for dosimeter usage and worker safety across different sectors.
Other Organizations
Organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) set standards that influence dosimeter regulations nationally and worldwide. These standards aim to harmonize practices and ensure consistent protection against radiation hazards in diverse work environments, especially for companies that operate in multiple countries with different federal regulations.
Industries Requiring Dosimeter Use (not inclusive)
Medical professionals working with diagnostic imaging isotopes and equipment, for example, are subject to regulations that dictate the use of dosimeters to monitor ionizing radiation exposure over time. Similarly, workers in nuclear power plants, industrial radiography, education, cancer treatment centers and research facilities where radioactive sources and materials are commonly used, require the use of dosimeters. Compliance with NRC or DOE regulations is a legal requirement and a moral imperative to protect workers’ health and well-being.
Importance of Compliance and Workplace Safety
The importance of compliance with dosimeter regulations cannot be overstated. Failure to adhere to these regulations can have severe consequences, ranging from legal repercussions to health issues for workers. Compliance ensures that dosimeters are placed correctly on individuals, and read and interpreted appropriately to provide accurate radiation exposure measurements. Compliance with dosimeter regulations fosters a culture of safety within organizations. By prioritizing the well-being of employees and demonstrating a commitment to regulatory compliance, employers can enhance trust, morale, and productivity in the workplace.
Interested in Dosimetry Services?
PL Medical’s dosimetry monitoring program is known for providing technology-leading OSL dosimeters to implement and ensure a successful radiation safety program that meets state and federal regulations. To learn more about PL Medical’s accredited dosimetry services, get in touch with us!