Re: ALARA or Not?

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

Lester Slaback stated the following:

> I would also make another observation: Even for persons who have been
> medically  qualified the respiratory stress of using a respirator (or the
> ergonomic stress of a supplied air system) would seem to be excessive
> compared to the incremental risk of mrem level internal exposures.

This is very true, and, considering that wearing a respirator, one 
must utilize an increased time factor due to the environment one 
works in, very few in the power reactor world ever wear a respirator 
anymore. Those that do wear them for a few selected jobs, or, because 
the individual is so concerned that it is prudent to let them wear 
the respirator. When the TEDE ALARA Rule first hit the streets, there 
was much opposition to relaxing respirator requirements, especially 
from the plant HPs. In time, 99% accept the fact that there IS 
minimal risk fo internal exposure, and, that they are more 
comfortable completing a job without having to wear the respirator. 
It's just a matter of adequate training and time to accept CHANGE 
when change is validated.

------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
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