Re: Personnel Monitoring Data Needed

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@ix.netcom.com>]

Multi-badging in nuclear power facilities has been conducted since 
the early 80's in force, specifically after one power plant was cited 
for not properly monitoring themaximum  dose to the whole body, the 
head in this case due to the overhead dose rate (steam generator). 
While at FPL an "overkill" program was put in place, whereby many 
individuals would be monitored with up to 12 dosimeters. My feeling 
was that we were in fact providing excellent shielding to the 
individual. The criteria was simple, multi-badging was required when 
there was potential for a dose gradient exceeding 25% across the 
entire whole body. In practice, many jobs were classified as 
multi-badging required, even when there was no significant dose 
gradient. Fear of NRC, and ultimately INPO led to this hysteria. 
Evaluation of all this dose information over the past 10 to 15 years 
basically resulted in that it didn't really matter which dosimeter an 
individual wore, that they were all statistically equivalent. The 
rare occasion was when a specific one-time job was done, and the 
predominant exposure was from a single area. However, the regulations 
and guidance allowed one to relocate the single whole body dosimeter. 
This would be conservative, of course, but eliminated a costly and 
time consuming multi-badging eopisode.

Another example of over-kill today is the general use of finger ring 
monitoring for extremity. Again, the data demonstrates that there is 
in fact, no significant increase in dose to the extremity when 
compared to a single wrist badge or the single whole body dosimeter.

For George's purposes, there is much data out there. Hopefully some 
will call you and provide you with the data. I do know that those who 
are still left at FPL may have some of the documentation and analysis 
available and readily retrievable, that I referred to above.

Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax: (714) 668-3149

E-Mail: sandyfl@ix.netcom.com    

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