Planning - STD-1128-98master0161

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

-- nasal smear activity levels

-- sputum and/or mouth contamination.

The special bioassay monitoring program is initiated following a known or suspected intake. This

information is needed for dose assessment and future exposure management. The intake is

confirmed if follow-up bioassay measurements indicate positive measurement results. Additional

bioassay measurements may be needed to quantify the intake and provide data for determining the

effective dose equivalent. The frequency of bioassay monitoring will depend on the specific case

to be evaluated. Selection of the appropriate sampling frequency is based on the previously

discussed performance capabilities for workplace monitoring program, consultations with internal

dosimetry specialists, and the cooperation of the affected employee.

5.10.1

Planning

The management at the plutonium facility should be prepared to follow an emergency

action plan for response to a plutonium intake. If a worker accidentally inhales or ingests

plutonium or is injured by a plutonium-contaminated object, the action plan should be

initiated immediately. A rapid response is important because any delay in an in

implementing appropriate action could lessen the effectiveness of decorporation therapy

and increase the probability for internalized plutonium to deposit on bone surfaces.

5.10.2

Medical Response Plan

The health physicist and medical staff must establish an emergency action plan for the

appropriate management of an accidental intake of plutonium. The elements of the plan

should include the following:

-- Decision levels for determining when monitoring data or accident events require

emergency medical response

-- responsibilities of the affected worker, health physicist, medical staff, and

management or supervisory personnel

-- instructions for immediate medical care, decontamination, monitoring, and

longer-term follow-up response

-- provisions for periodically reviewing, updating, and rehearsing the emergency action

plan.

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