Dosimetry philosophy (late badges, etc.)

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

Interesting statements from all. My perspective on the issue of 
dosimetry:

1. Bill's comments stem from his experiences where dosimetry is 
considered important, and is treated as such. The workers are well 
trained and have a sincere appreciation for the dosimetry worn, and 
the consequences of not wearing the dosimetry properly, and if the 
dosimeter is lost.

2. Medical and University environments appear to be such that the RSO 
more often than not, has a difficult time in not only getting the 
wearers to wear their dosimeters, but to return them when required. I 
say this from several years experience in the commercial world, where 
these issues occur routinely. The RSO can not be expected to be a 
policeman, to baby sit their wearers, nor do they have the staff to 
follow-up on every un-returned dosimeter. Therefore, the 
accountability is placed at the wearer level, and, their department 
head. They should be held accountable, and if necessary, their 
privledges revoked.

3. There is an assumption that the individuals don't receive dose, so 
why bother with an extensive investigation. Dose is like the stock 
market, past performance is not indicative of future performance. To 
assume that because the individual never receives dose, and the 
material they are working with (normally) is such that they won't get 
dose, is something that will bite you in the future.

4. Seems everyone is concerned with the individuals who receive a 
high dose. Well, statistics are that the average dose an individual 
sues their employer over, claiming cancer or some other disease, is 
300 mrem lifetime dose. I am not saying that everyone should wear a 
dosimeter, since there needs to be some logic in determining who you 
want to badge, and, reason for such badging. The point is, those who 
do receive low dose, are most apt to sue you later. It would be 
really nice to have good records, and documentation that the 
individuals are trained to wear their dosimetry, return the 
dosimetry, and investigate when necessary.

5. There is absolutely no excuse to allow a worker to continue to be 
pampered, receiving dosimetry, when the situation is, that no badge 
has been returned for over 6 months, when they do return the 
dosimeter, it is evident that the dosimeters were self-irradiated 
(intentionally, or otherwise), and there is no concrete evidence that 
anyone deemed it necessary to step in and take some action, with 
appropriate countermeasures.

In summary, if dosimetry is deemed important to be issued, it is 
equally important to return the dosimeters, when required, and if 
not, disciplinary action should be the norm.

Sandy Perle
E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net 
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 -
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