Electronic Dosimetry Workshop

[GVOLDFIELD@WNP2.COM (GUY V. OLDFIELD)]

     I have been asked by a colleague to pass the following information 
     along to radsafe participants.  Additional participation is needed, 
     especially by nuclear utility representatives, if this workshop is to 
     produce significant results:
     
     WHAT:     Electronic Dosimetry Workshop
     
     WHEN:     October 14-16, 1997
     
     WHERE:    Gaithersburg Hilton, Gaithersburg, MD
     
     SPONSORED BY:  National Institute of Standards and Technology
                    Council on Ionizing Radiation Measurements and 
                    Standards
                    Nuclear Regulatory Commission
     
     BACKGROUND:  Electronic dosimeters (ED) have been used for secondsry 
     dosimetry to monitor radiation exposure in the workplace for several 
     years.  Because of their capabiluty and integration into access 
     control systems, they have become a key part of radiation protection 
     programs.  With recent improvements in reliability and capability, 
     coupled with superior precision and lower detection limits, electronic 
     dosimeters are now being considered for dose of record (primary 
     dosimetry).  The ED still has limitations, such as susceptability to 
     radio-frequency radiation, energy dependence, and angular dependence.  
     However, health physicists remain interested in their application for 
     primary dosimetry.
     
     FOCUS:  The prupose of this workshop is to define the conditions under 
     which electronic dosimeters can be used for primary dosimetry in the 
     near term and the steps needed to gain general acceptance of 
     electronic dosimeters for primary dosimetry.  Topics to be covered 
     include:
     
     o    Performance of electronic dosimeters for primary dosimetry in 
          specific work environments today.
     
     o    Changes in the performance of electronic dosimeters needed for 
          acceptance in specific work environments.
     
     o    Necessity of a second dosimeter with electronic dosimeters for 
          legal or reliability reason.
     
     o    Third party review or oversight.
     
     o    Testing and accreditation.
     
     o    Identification of user controls (standards) needed for a 
          successful program.
     
     Each of these topical areas are multidimensional and can be subdivided 
     into various areas.  By identifying the performance and infrastructure 
     neded to meet regulatory and quality req1uirements for dosimetry, it 
     will be possible to move forward in the acceptance of the electronic 
     dosimeters for primary dosimetry.  The manufacturers will be able to 
     move forward to meet identified requirements for various workplaces,  
     regulators will be able to identify third party roles, and the users 
     will be able to establish an acceptable infrastructure for the 
     application of electronic dosimeters in primary dosimetry.
     
     DEADLINES:     Registration:  September 30, 1997
     
                    Hotel Reservations:  September 23, 1997
     
     For more information and registration contact:
     
          Lori Phillips
          NIST
          Bldg. 101, Rm. B116
          Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001
          Phone 301-975-4513
          Fax:  301-948-2067
          email:  lori.phillips@nist.gov
     
     Please do not direct questions to me.
     
     Guy Oldfield
     Health Physicist
     Wash. Public Power Supply System
     Richland, WA
     gvoldfield@wnp2.com