Re: Badge for X-ray machine users?

[tdc@ehssun.lbl.gov (Ted M. de Castro)]

>>I would like to know if you issue TLD badge to the X-ray machine users on
>>campus. 

YES

>>Most of the X-ray machines we have are used for engineering research
>>and the users are unlikely to receive a greater-than-10% exposure. 

TRUE - but the FDA, BRH, DHW - or whatever they are this week ---- has a 
position that although the above is true - historically the film badge has 
been a FIRST indication of an occurance.

Personnaly I would strongly suspect that this may NOT be as true for a TLD 
badge!

Since we have gone TLD I have looked into unbadging these people ...... but 
its a politically touchy issue.

>>What about ALARA? 
?????????

>>Any body had experiece with the X-ray user who ever received high dose?

Does exposure sufficient to require amputation of 3 finger (1977) qualify??

In this case the film badge was somewhat helpful in time and motion 
reconstruction.

>>We also use "area badge" in X-ray labs and other labs because sometimes 
>>the users prefer it or there are too many users (of course, with low 
>>exposure rate). Any comments?

We have active, sensitive, large area low energy alarming area monitors 
(with interlock capabilties) at all or analytical machines.  They are "home 
built" following a design developed by Argonne Lab.  Only very recently have 
we been able to achieve cost savings on these by getting a manufacturer to 
make them commercially available (Health Physics Instruments).

ONE large lab with many users ALSO has an area badge --- it has never had a 
reading.

BTW - we also DO NOT ALLOW an open beam configuration and ALL our enclosures 
are redundantly interlocked and the interlock are on a VERY SPECIFIC and 
COMPLETE 6 month testing schedule - ie. NOT just having the user open the 
door and see if it shuts off!!