Lab Coat usage at DOE facilities

[Kevin.Konzen@rfets.gov (Kevin Konzen)]

I am currently looking at the feasibility of adopting labcoats for use in
laboratory B-Boxes.

Our facility complies with 10CFR835 and contract requires compliance with the
DOE Radiological Control Manual.

Article 325 of the DOE Radcon Manual states "The use of labcoats as radiological
protective clothing is appropriate for limited applications such as those
descussed in Art. 347 where the potential for personal contamination is limited
to the hands, arms, and upper front portion of the body."  Examples discussed
include the use of labcoats for benchtop work, laboratory fume hoods, sample
stations, and gloveboxes located in areas that are otherwise contamination free.

There are three situations for which I am pursuing the implementation of
labcoats, 2 pair of surgeon's gloves (1st taped to sleeve), booties, and
oversleeves for HCA's:

(1) Working in gloveboxes, lab hoods (B-Boxes), sample sinks, and bench tops,
which are themselves posted as a Contamination or High Contamination area, but
the surrounding area is posted as a Radiological Buffer Area (maintained <20dpm/
100cm2 for transuranics).


(2) The same situation above but the surrounding area is posted
as a Contamination Area in which the contamination area is maintained <20dpm/
100cm2 and currently posted for logistical reasons.


(3)  The allowance of visitors to wear labcoats, booties and surgeon gloves in
contamination areas (usually maintained <20dpm/100cm2) for conducting tours and
surveillances.


I would like to know if other facilities have adopted the use of
labcoats and in what situations.

I appreciate your feedback,

Kevin Konzen
Radiological Safety Coach
Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site
E-Mail:  Kevin.Konzen@RFETS.gov
phone:(303)966-5854