Re: SI Whining

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

Bob Flood has summarized the issues very well:

> Let's look at a complete radiation protection system. We have about 40
> people who would be called health physics professionals here, and all of
> them could make the switch to SI units easily. But...

The issue as to what has to happen when a small change like this 
takes place, ONLY affects you IF you are accountable for the 
PROGRAMMATIC changes. I would venture to surmise that those Radsafers 
who say, hey, it's a simple thing, the instruments are already 
displayed in both units, so what's the big deal!!!  These are 
individuals who are not saddled with all of the issues that need to 
be contended with, so eloquently stated by Bob.

Take the ANSI N13.11-1993 change. Simple enough you say .. all that 
was changed was going from Cx to Ck. Right? WRONG!!!!  That little 
change, that did absolutely nothing to improve dose reporting caused 
the following to happen:

1. Dose algorithms had to be changed, and, data testing had to ensue 
to validate that the new numbers were being generated correctly, to 
maintain NVLAP standards.

2. The results of the new standards now have SDE less than DDE for 
specific energy spectra. Try explaining THAT to the typical rad 
worker. I don't like it myself, and I've been doing this for 28 years 
(not as long as some of you)

3. Public impressions. If the dose being calculated today has 
changed, what does that say about the previous doses you've been 
reporting to me????  Workers are innately tuned to change!!!

So, please ... unless you've been involved in a programmatic change, 
that affects programs involving a large number of people, and, a 
large amount of $$$$,,  please refrain from the comments that this is 
simple, it is good, and there is nothing to worry about.. just a snip 
here and a snip there, and all is OK. It just isn't so!!!!!!!

------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax:    (714) 668-3111
  
sandyfl@earthlink.net
sperle@icnpharm.com

ICN Dosimetry Website:
http://www.dosimetry.com

Personal Homepage:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1205

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