Re: pregnant x-ray tech

[rwu@clinserv.com (Richard Wu)]

I wonder if this x-ray tech. and the OB physician had read the NRC guide
8.29 as a reference on the risk she may involved. This guide specificly
addressed the radiaiton exposure risk to the embryo/fetus and how should
employer  handle the case. 

Richard Wu 

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> From: Gerry W. Kindred <gwkindred@centerior.com>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Subject: Re: pregnant x-ray tech
> Date: Monday, October 13, 1997 11:26 PM
> 
> gwkindred@centerior.com
> 
> For those that are under the auspices of the NRC, or more specificially,
> 10CFR20.  A "Declared Pregnant Woman" means "a woman who has voluntarily
> informed her employer, in writing, of her pregnancy and the estimated
date
> of conception".   Only then does the employer have to take compensatory
> actions to limit the dose to the fetus.  If the worker chooses to inform
> her employer 
> of the pregancy, then the employer has to limit the dose (from
occupational
> exposure
> to the embryo/fetus to 0.5 rem (5 mSv) over the gestation period (ref.
> 10CFR20.1208).
> Therefore, a worker does not have a disability as a result of pregancy
> regarding 
> activities as a radiation worker.   Also included within the regulation
are
> other 
> requirements regarding the radiation exposure rate and monitoring.  I
> recommend that
> any facility that employs radiation workers consider establishing
> procedures on the
> issue of a "Declared Pregnant Woman" taking into account the legal
position
> that it 
> places on the company, as well as the RSO/Staff.  Keep in mind, that even
> if a woman
> is obviously pregnant, you cannot legally limit hers or the embryo/fetus
> radiation exposure.
> This also includes that even if the pregnancy is common knowledge and
> openly talked
> about, i.e. baby showers, etc.  You cannot limit the radiation exposue
> solely because 
> of the pregnancy.  SHE MUST INFORM HER EMPLOYER, IN WRITING.
> 
> I usually don't put down a disclaimer; however, in this case I
will...this
> represents my
> views and my interpretation of 10CFR20.  I am not speaking for my
employer,
> the USNRC,
> any other person or organization, nor am I trying to practice law.    
> 
> gwkindred@centerior.com
> 
> 
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