Administrative - STD-1128-98master0092

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

reasonable. Both engineered and administrative control measures should be used for

limiting exposure.

Engineered controls should be utilized whenever possible. In addition, periodic verification

of the continued effectiveness of these controls should be performed by facility health

physics personnel. Ventilation and filtration systems should be routinely checked and

inspected to assure that operation is maintained within the design criteria. The integrity of

shielding, the reliability of equipment, and the calibration of instruments should likewise be

routinely verified.

Although administrative controls are not an adequate substitute for engineered features, they

are necessary. They are a part of the management systems developed and implemented to

provide guidance, direction control, and limitations for activities. Administrative controls

include the documents that describe organizational interfaces and prescribe controls for

radiation protection. Administrative controls, especially procedures, should be reviewed by

those responsible for ALARA to ensure that radiation exposure activities include dose

limitation considerations.

Factors that must always be considered in an ALARA program are the costs and benefits.

This is especially important when the identified benefit represents a very small increment of

radiation dose reduction. Funds for dose reduction should always be applied to actions

which will achieve the greatest dose reduction for the cost.

The final decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of a plutonium facility should be

given consideration in both the original design of the facility and any modifications done to

the facility during its operating lifetime. Likewise, D&D should be given consideration in

choosing operating processes and practices for the facility, including any changes in

processes and practices during its operating lifetime. Both design and operating activities

can affect the radiation levels and personnel doses encountered by workers who perform the

D&D activities. To the extent practicable, design and operations should provide for

radiation levels that are ALARA during D&D activities.

The successful implementation of an ALARA program requires the commitment, support,

attention, and efforts of all members of an organization. In facilities in which the radiation

exposures are already relatively low, implementation of the ALARA concept is particularly

challenging. The reduction of radiation doses to ALARA levels demonstrates to workers

and the public a continued emphasis, commitment, and concern for health and safety.

3-32