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Lab has new process for investigating unexpected radiation dose

A new process to investigate unexpected radiation doses is being initiated by the Health, Safety and Radiation (HSR) Division. This process will help ensure worker safety, ensure proper notifications and help resolve dosimeter exposures from other sources.

Following a measured dosimeter result more than 100 millirem in excess of an expected exposure, personnel will immediately be restricted from entering all areas posted for radiation hazards or work with radioactive materials at the Laboratory until a dose investigation is completed, according to HSR Division.

The dose investigation process is detailed in master management memo online (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Laboratory personnel are reminded not to place external dosimeters in checked luggage, as high dose rate x-ray devices used to screen luggage deliver a significant exposure to the dosimeter. Workers must not travel with their external dosimeters without the approval of Health Physics Measurements (HSR-4) and if approved, in carry-on luggage only.

Laboratory personnel are reminded that some nuclear medicine procedures also can deliver significant exposure to a dosimeter. When undergoing a nuclear medicine procedure, workers must not wear personal dosimeters until approved by Radiation Protection Services (HSR-12).

Such exposures can exceed levels that must be reported through the Laboratory's Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS), and they require prompt investigation.

For more information about the new investigation process, contact Dose Assessment in HSR-12 at 5-7921 or Paul Hoover in HSR Division at 5-4691.

For questions about dosimeters, contact Personnel Dosimetry Operations in HSR-4 at 7-4854 or write to dosimetry@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

--Kathy DeLucas

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