Re: Dosimeter Location

[sandy_perle@email.fpl.com]

     The purpose of the dosimeter is to document the exposure in the area 
     where it is worn. From it's readings, a dose is assigned. If the 
     dosimeter is worn under the shield, the most likely scenario is that 
     the net result will be 0 mrem, or some number <10 mrem which is what 
     most processors consider the lower limit for reporting a dose. While 
     the organs of importance are under the shield, the individual who is 
     wearing the dosimeter is assured that there was in fact no exposure. 
     On the other hand, a shielded dosimeter provides no information 
     whatsoever regarding the LDE dose (Lens of the eye dose equivalent). 
     One would be asked at some point to validate that the lens didn't 
     receive a dose that could have caused cataracts, for instance. 
     
     Just some food for thought. Maybe 2 dosimeters are in order. One to 
     validate the DDE is < some desired result, and another dosimeter to 
     record LDE. I would rather see one dosimeter worn, outside of the 
     shield, unless it can be demonstrated that the lens of the eye is also 
     shielded to the same degree as the area under the thyroid shield.
     
     Sandy Perle
     Supervisor Health Physics
     Florida Power and Light Company
     Nuclear Division
     
     (407) 694-4219  office
     (407) 694-3706  fax
     
     sandy_perle@email.fpl.com


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Dosimeter Location
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at Internet-Mail
Date:    9/26/95 4:32 PM


HELP!!  I am caught in an existential loop.  I have been going around and 
then some regarding wearing of personal dosimeters in radiologic locales.  I 
have no trouble with film badge (or TLD) on collar outside leaded apron.  
     
I need policy (in writing) for the location of said dosimeter when a thyroid 
shield is worn.  I have always instructed to wear UNDER the thyroid shield, 
but I cannot find anything IN WRITING one way or the other.  Does anyone out 
here have definitive answer and documentation as to correct location.
     
Thanks in advance as usual.
     
richard
     
kayrs@peak.org
http://www.peak.org/~kayrs/
Richard Kay, MSc, RT(R)
     
     
             KNOWLEDGE IS THE FIRST PREREQUISITE IN RADIATION SAFETY 8^)