Re:Smear Checks of Respirators

[Rodney Bauman <rodney_bauman@wssrap-host.wssrap.com>]

At the Weldon Spring Site (DOE site), post-use respirator checks are essential
to the internal dosimetry program due to the nature of our contamination - alpha
emitters.  Yeah, there is some beta too, but very little gamma.  PCM/IPM checks
are fairly good for external contamination but do not provide indication of an
internal exposure.

Of course, the power plants got nothing to worry about - with good ol' gamma
emitters like Co-60.  Nobody gets a snout-full without HP finding out before the
affected individual tries to exit the RCA or the guard house.

Rodney Bauman, CHP, RRPT
rodney_bauman@wssrap-host.wssrap.com

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