Re: Respiratory protection and source security

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

> does anyone see any relationship between this philosophy, and one of not
> locking doors, and requiring other obstacles  which cause barriers to safe
> travel between laboratories, especially when carrying materials etc, in
> light of the potential for "theft" of licensed materials in the
> laboratory?

No, I do not agree with your premise. In the case of respiratory 
protection, wearing a respirator can be quite intimidating to an 
individual. There is a real physical stress placed on the individual 
when wearing a respirator, especially in a closed, dark and hot 
environment. Communication is affected, and, it has been shown 
that work productivity can be reduced by as much as 40% when 
wearing a respirator. It is for that reason, the NRC requires that a 
TEDE ALARA Evaluation be performed, to determine of the total 
dose to be received would be less when NOT wearing the 
respirator, as compared to the situation if they would wear one.

Having locked doors and other obstacles in my opinion is more of a 
nuisance, and not a physical stress on the individual. Perhaps in 
some individuals, the thought of spilling or dropping what they are 
delivering, is a stress, of sorts, but can not be equated to that of a 
respirator being worn by an individual.



------------------
Sandy Perle
Technical Director
ICN Dosimetry Division
ICN Plaza
3300 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Office: (800) 548-5100 x2306 
Fax:    (714) 668-3149
  
sandyfl@earthlink.net
sperle@icnpharm.com

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

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

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

The opinions expressed are solely, absolutely, positively, definitely those of the author, and NOT my employer
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