Whole Body Dosimeters

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices

Student's Guide

PERSONNEL-MONITORING DEVICES

Note: X-ray leakage from RPD housings or shielding may be a narrow beam that is difficult to

detect and may not be recorded by personnel monitoring devices.

Whole Body Dosimeters.

Operators of intentional X-ray devices usually wear dosimetry such as thermoluminescent

dosimeters (TLDs) film or badges. These dosimeters can accurately measure radiation

doses as low as 10 mrem and are used to determine the dose of record. However, they

must be sent to a processor to be read. Therefore, the exposed individual may not be

aware of his exposure until the results have been reported (typically 1 day - several

weeks).

There are several precautions that are important in the use of dosimeters. Dosimeters

should be worn in a location that will record a dose representative of the trunk of the body.

Standard practice is to wear a dosimeter between the neck and the waist, but in specific

situations such as nonuniform radiation fields, special considerations may apply. Some

dosimeters have a required orientation with a specific side facing out.

(Insert facility-specific information on dosimetry, as appropriate.)

ii. Extremity Dosimeters.

Finger-ring and wrist dosimeters may be used to assess radiation dose to the hands.

(Insert facility-specific information on dosimetry, as appropriate.)

iii. Pocket Dosimeters.

Pocket ionization chambers, such as pencil dosimeters or electronic dosimeters, are used

in radiological work. In contrast to TLDs, they give an immediate readout of the