RE: TLDs as Anti-Theft Devices?

["Stanford Dosimetry" <stanford@stanforddosimetry.com>]

The technical problem with taking them home is of course that you are losing

the relationship between the control/background measurement, from badges on

a rack or in the lab, and the response on the worker's badge from

non-occupational exposure. Performing a background study with badges going

off-site shows the increased variability as was mentioned. But there is no

guaranteeing that a given worker's badge will be treated even as

consistently as the badges in the study. Chances are the dosimeters in the

background study weren't taken shopping for example. As all NVLAP accredited

programs must quantify the uncertainty in the system, it would be critical

that the increased variability in the "take 'em home" policy was included. 



The more tangible problems are in the dosimetry lab. Non-returns, workers

leaving badges home, then bringing them in. Maybe swapping them out on their

dresser, or in their jackets. It takes a big effort to stop the practice,

which used to be pretty universal, but sites I have worked with that have

stopped it are much happier now, and the workers do come to accept it.



Neill Stanford, CHP

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Stanford Dosimetry LLC

www.stanforddosimetry.com

stanford@stanforddosimetry.com

360 293 9334 (voice/fax)

360 770 7778 (cell)                       

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