Re: Personal Air Samplers

[RONALD GOODWIN <RONALD_GOODWIN@health.ohio.gov>]

     this is not an opinion:
     
     Lapel samplers may be the best method of estimating breathing zone 
     concentrations because they are located close to the worker's nose and 
     mouth.
     
     Although PAS appear to be the sampler of choice for BZ samplers, they 
     have several disadvantages.  A primary problem is that they have a low 
     flow rate (2L/min) which may make them unsuitable for airborne 
     radioactivity areas, just at the point where BZ sampling may be 
     appropriate according to RG 8.25, TAble 1.  However, the problem of 
     low flow rate can be overcome by collecting the sample for a longer 
     time, counting ths amples long enough to detect radioactivity or 
     having a more sensitive counting system.  Another disadvantage is that 
     lapel samplers may become contaminated by improper handling, which may 
     cause the instrument to give an erroneous reading (higher than that 
     experienced).  Contamination on a PAS may also result in erroneous 
     worker intake.  PAS are expensive, many workers think they are 
     uncomfortable to wear, and the worker must be sure to turn them on and 
     off.  Advancements made by various manufacturers have improved PAS and 
     even with some drawbacks, PAS may be the sampling system of choice for 
     determining intake.
     
     Recommend a review of Ritter et al. (1984) "The role of personal air 
     sampling in radiation safety programs and results of a laboratory 
     evaluation of PAS equipment", NUREG/CR-4033 for more information about 
     the types and use of PAS and an evaluation of the PAS.
     
     Best regards, and I bid you peace,
     
     Ron Goodwin
     Sr. HP  - aw heck - everyone who reads this listserver knows who I am 
     by know.
     
     


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Personal Air Samplers
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at Internet
Date:    4/10/96 9:48 AM


The WIPP  will be handling and storing barrels of TRU waste (primarily Pu 
contaminated stuff).
     
We are considering using Personal Air Samplers (Lapel Samplers) on our waste 
handlers and HP Techs. as a means to determine whether a worker should or 
should not have a bioassay (urinalysis); i.e. as a "trigger."  Specifically, 
if any Pu is found on the PAS filter he/she gets a bioassay; otherwise not.
     
Two questions:
     
        1.  Is this a credible/sound approach?
     
        2. Are PASs an annoyance to workers while they wear them?
     
Thanks.
     
     
Bates Estabrooks
WIPP
505-234-8470