Contamination Surveys of the Workplace

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

4.2.4.1 Contamination Surveys of the Workplace

The radiation monitoring program should include documented survey procedures,

a system for maintaining survey results, and contamination control limits for

"fixed" and "removable" contamination. The results of contamination surveys

should be reported in activity per area (e.g., dpm/100 cm2) except for large-area

swipes and swipes of very small items. This permits interpretation of the recorded

data without requiring knowledge of instrument efficiency or geometry.

All workplaces should be monitored for contamination levels on a regularly

scheduled basis. The frequency of such surveys will depend on the potential for

dispersion of the radioactive material. As a minimum, all gloves, work surfaces,

floors, equipment, etc., within the workplace should be surveyed according to the

frequencies listed in the DOE standard, Radiological Control (1999a).

The change room and other support facilities within the controlled area should be

surveyed for contamination daily. Continuous air monitors, survey instruments at

step-off pads, and hand and shoe counters should be functionally tested daily or

once per shift in support of the weekly and monthly surveys. These frequent

surveys are also part of the routine surveillance program and permit immediate

follow-up if low-level contamination is detected to minimize the potential for

major incidents. Some fixtures and support areas outside the controlled area, such

as door knobs and telephones of adjacent offices and the lunchroom, should also

be surveyed daily. Other support areas should be surveyed monthly. If routine

survey results detect any contamination in a given area, more detailed surveys must

be performed to determine the extent of the contamination. An investigation

should be initiated to determine the source of the contamination and the cause.

To preclude the possibility that contaminated waste would be disposed of as

ordinary waste, (1) all process and controlled area waste should be considered

contaminated, and (2) mechanisms should be established that prevent the mixing of

contaminated and noncontaminated waste.

4.2.4.2 Release Surveys

For transuranic radionuclides, the contamination level (fixed and removable) at

which surfaces are considered contaminated are listed in Appendix D of

10 CFR 835 (DOE 1993c). That document also specifies the criteria for the release

of materials and equipment to Controlled Areas.

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