Re: intentional misuse

[LRGreger@aol.com]

In a message dated 02/29/2000 10:40:31 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
sandyfl@earthlink.net writes:

<< There is a problem. It is most likely minimal as far as real risk. 
 The media builds this up, and in so doing, agitates the public. The 
 regulators react to public agitation. In the end, all licensees are 
 dealt with in unrealistic regulation, to prevent the few who abuse. 
 So, tell me,, what do we do???
 
  >>
Sandy,
I'm replying in private because I don't want to air what could be perceived 
as a CA-RHB policy issue in the Radsafe "public."  There are no CA regulatory 
changes being proposed because of this incident as far as I'm aware, and I 
would be aware.  It is possible that some CA politician might attempt to push 
such action, but I don't see it as going anyplace.  I might be wrong though.  
It depends how much pressure was brought to bear.  It hasn't happened yet to 
my knowledge.

The CA-RHB staff consider this incident to be trivial from a health and 
safety standpoint, and , if the individual was properly instructed in 
radiation safety by the licensee, there is most probably no culpability on 
the part of the licensee.  Legal actions were not driven by the CA-RHB.

It is my understanding that the individual got himself into legal hot water 
by stating to the police that he was attempting to harm the "victim."  Had he 
instead stated that he knew that no harm would ensue, that he was simply 
trying to embarass the "victim," it is my understanding that the legal 
repercussions would have been quite different.

What can you do?  Don't unnecessarily jump to conclusions concerning 
"unrealistic [new] regulations" ensuing from an over-reacting regulatory 
agency.  As a leader in the So. CA health physics community, you are an 
opinion former.  Please don't over react, just as you don't want the 
regulatory community to over react.

I guess I'd better put the usual disclaimer in that these are my personal 
opinions, and do not represent official CA-RHB opinion.

Rob Greger


  
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