public dose in restricted areas

["Les Slaback, Health Physics" <SLABACK@micf.nist.gov>]

Yes, you can get public dose in restricted areas.
In March, 1993 TRTR raised this issue in a meeting with NRC.
In April, 1993 NRC publicly committed to an interpretation of the rule that
permitted public dose in restricted areas.
In 1994 NRC proposed a revision to 10CFR20 clarifying this issue, among others,
to make it explicitly clear that this is permitted.

The convincing argument is that a member-of-the-public should not be allowed
to exceed 100 mrem just by entering an area labeled 'restricted area'.

When the revised rule will be adopted is the big question.

A complicatingfactor is the series of Q&A's NRC published on the new part 20
has responses that are clearly contrary to this position, and NRC has never
published changes to those positions (other than the proposed rule).  So you
could have NRC types, or others, who will offer those as evidence of a
contrary position.  Have them call NMSS at NRC headquarters for the latest
position.

SLABACK@MICF.NIST.GOV
   ...a little risk, like a bit of spice, adds flavor to life