Part 20 revision

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

The training and dosimetry thresholds just give you flexibility.
The fear of lawsuits will likely force all sorts of HP program elements,
e.g., training, dosimetry, surveys, envir monitoring, to be far more
extensive than common sense or regulatory requirements mandate.
In fact, if some sort of legal reform does not occur, the regulations
will probably become irrelevent, either because everything will be driven
by the need to avoid lawsuits or everyone will be out of business (sorry,
my cynical side popping up again).

ANI at the HPS meeting pointed out that after 1998 they will no longer cover
occupational exposure lawsuits.  Everyone will be 'self insured'.  I have
not had the pleasure of being involved in a case, but I suspect that the old
(slight revised) saying applies, there are only two kinds of HP's, those curren
tly involved in a suit and those who will soon be.

It is interesting to listen to the reports on the defense of the various
suits for 15-20 minutes, but I would not like several months of my life
spent in a case.

But I digress.  The previous point made was quite pertinent.  Even if NRC
does not require dosimetry, or training, legal issues will be a driving force
for many of these program elements (but only if the HP points this out to
management for those in the smaller organizations).

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