Radiation dosimeters are used to accurately measure the amount of radiation an employee is exposed to. These badges are typically worn on the torso to provide an accurate reading of the body's exposure. Deep doses are reported for radiation that reaches the organs, while shallow doses are reported for radiation that does not reach the organs. Ocular doses are reported for radiation that reaches the lens of the eye. The dosimeter badge has saved many lives by preventing people from receiving too high a quantity of radiation.
Dosimeter badge management doesn't have to be a time-consuming activity; with the right tools, the whole process can be simplified and streamlined. Dosimeters must be issued if a person is likely to receive more than 10 percent of the maximum allowable dose. If you notice that the dosimeter plate is missing, you should notify the radiation safety officer and replace it immediately.
When using a lead apron, applying a Webster 1 calculation can reduce the deep dose reported to the employee to 30% of the measured dose. New dosimeters should be shipped before the end of the previous usage cycle to ensure there is never a lapse in dosimeter use. Employees who work with x-ray radiation that can enter the radiation field with their hands, such as veterinarians holding an animal during an exam, may benefit from wearing a wrist dosimeter.
For accurate test results, it is best to wear the dosimeter badge outside of clothing and in front of the chest. This type of dosimeter does not replace the requirement for a radiation dosimeter badge for pregnant radiation workers. Employees working with low-energy isotopes that may not be detected with a wrist dosimeter should consider using a ring dosimeter, which may be closer to the isotope and more accurately reflect the dose received.
A radiation plate, also known as a dosimeter plate, is used by workers in facilities with high amounts of radiation. A Webster 2 calculation can also be used to calculate the armor obtained when using a lead apron with two dosimeters. Even if exposure levels are below federal and state limits, facilities may still choose to provide dosimeters to their employees. At the end of each usage period, replacement dosimeters will be distributed through the designated badge coordinator.
Pregnancy must be formally declared in writing to the Radiation Safety Program in order for any control or dosimetry measures for monitoring to be implemented.
