Re: External monitoring criteria -Reply

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

>  For those we are really only interested in checking for
> accidental exposure from e.g. a big spill.  So we require them to wear a
> pocket dosimeter while in our dept, and to record the value after each
> session.  This reduces the number of badges we issue and also the number
> of badges that end up untraceable bc the intern has moved on and
> forgotten to return the badge.

Area badges are OK if they are representative of the radiation 
environment within the location. One must always be cognizant of what 
areas the staff actually works in, and, if anything unusual does take 
place with the "area badge" some kind of log would be useful to 
determine the most realistic exposure to the workers.

As far as pocket chambers, be aware of the response characteristics 
of what you are attempting to measure. If the facility os working 
with beta sources, or low energy x-ray units, the PIC can highly 
under-respond, and for all practical purposes, be entirely useless. 
This is also a significant consideration if an electronic dosimeter 
is being used. know the response characteristics and you will be 
capable of assessing the more accurate exposures.

The biggest issue to contend with in the event the area badge or PIC 
results in an exposure that needs to be reckoned with is, the 
methodology used to determine the "official dose of record" for the 
individual. You better have your ducks in a row when it comes time to 
address this with a potential regulator, and more importantly, with 
the individual who received the exposure.

In summary, area badges are adequate if they are representative of 
the area to be monitored and are adequate in number. Logs of some 
type are maintained and area surveys are performed on a routine 
basis, and the proper calibration of a PIC or an electronic dosimeter 
is implemented.
------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax:    (714) 668-3149
  
sandyfl@earthlink.net
sperle@icnpharm.com

Personal Website: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1205
        
ICN Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening 
the mouth, is to close it again on something solid"
              - G. K. Chesterton -