Release Criteria - STD-1128-98master0120

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

4.3.5 ALARA Guidelines

The total dose to an individual and the collective dose to the work force should be ALARA.

When applied to personnel contamination or internal intakes, this generally means less-than-

detectable dose with the best available commercial technology.

4.3.6 Release Criteria

The decision to release personnel with detectable plutonium contamination is made on a

case-by-case basis. If the individual is injured and needs prompt medical attention, medical

treatment will always take precedence, with compensatory measures made for the protection

of medical personnel and facilities. If injuries are absent or do not require immediate

attention, decontamination is preferable to ensure that the dose to the contaminated

individual and the potential for inhalation by the victim and medical staff are minimized and

the spread of contamination is prevented.

In a case where decontamination is incomplete due to injury to the skin or other reasons, the

individual may be provisionally released with measures to prevent the spread of

contamination.

4.4

PERSONNEL DECONTAMINATION

Skin decontamination should be performed by health physics technicians or other members of the

health physics staff. The treatment and decontamination of wounds should be performed by

medical staff.

Nonabrasive methods should be used for skin decontamination to protect the tissues from deeper

contamination. Masking tape should be used to remove dry contamination. Wet decontamination

should be used to remove residual contamination. The skin should be gently scrubbed with soap

and water. Household bleach may be applied as needed to decontaminate more effectively. The

following procedure is recommended:

1. Survey the worker to determine the contaminated areas of the skin. Have the medical staff treat

and decontaminate breaks in the skin.

2. Wipe loose contamination with a gauze sponge or cotton applicators dipped in mild antiseptic

detergent. Do not spread contamination to uncontaminated areas.

3. Rub the skin with the applicators to produce good sudsing.

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