External Dose Measurements cont'd - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Module 103 External Dose Control

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

Gamma radiation from uranium is normally not the

controlling problem. For example, the contact beta

radiation field from depleted uranium is

approximately 240 millirem per hour, while the

contact gamma radiation field is less than 10

millirem per hour. However, significant gamma

fields can exist in areas where large quantities of

uranium are stored, such as a storage area for

uranium contaminated soil. The accuracy and

precision of survey instruments used for

measurement of beta radiation fields depend on

many factors which must be addressed, such as

energy response and geometry factors. Accordingly,

these surveys are typically conducted by

Radiological Control personnel. Neutron fields from

enriched uranium fluoride compounds can also add

to this area of concern. Depending on the magnitude

of neutron fields generated, periodic neutron dose

rate measurements are made, typically by

Discuss the facility specific

Radiological Control personnel.

methods for measuring

external exposure and dose.

Personnel dosimeters produce the data which

becomes the formal or "legal" record of personnel

exposure, thermoluminescent dosimeters, used in

most DOE uranium facilities, provides the most

accurate and precise means of measuring doses

received by workers.