Radiation workers who operate x-ray machines, fluoroscopy units, certain unsealed and sealed radioisotopes, or who are exposed to other sources of high-energy gamma or beta radiation must use one or more dosimeters. Dosimeters are used to accurately reflect the amount of radiation an employee receives. Badges are worn on the torso to measure the amount of exposure received by the body. Doses given to organs are reported as deep doses, while doses delivered to the body that do not reach the organs are reported as shallow doses.
Ocular doses are delivered to the lens of the eye. The best place to wear a dosimeter badge is on the neck or chest in front of the radiation source. If a worker has a lead apron, then the badge should be worn over the apron and not under it. However, if the worker is pregnant, the badge should be worn in the abdominal region and under the apron.
A Webster 2 calculation can also be used to calculate the armor obtained when using a lead apron with two dosimeters. It is important that all employees use the correct dosimeter for the type of radiation they are working with and that they use it correctly. A radiation plate is also called a dosimeter plate, and it is used by workers on a daily basis if they work in facilities with high amounts of radiation. Employees working in environments where they are likely to receive high exposure of their extremities should use a wrist ring or dosimeter.
At the end of the usage period, replacement dosimeters will be distributed through the designated badge coordinator. Wearing a radiation dosimeter badge ensures that no radiation limit set by these guidelines is exceeded.
