Individual Monitoring

DOE-HDBK-1184-2004

4 INDIVIDUAL MONITORING

As noted previously, 10 CFR Part 835 requires monitoring of certain individuals' internal and

external doses. Except for rare situations, exposure to STCs will not result in a significant

external dose; therefore, this handbook does not address external monitoring program

requirements. STCs may contribute to an individual's internal dose. DOE has provided internal

dose monitoring program guidance in DOE G 441.1-3 (DOE 1999a), Internal Dose Monitoring

Program Guide, and detailed internal dose monitoring guidance in DOE-STD-1121-98 (DOE

1999h), Internal Dosimetry Standard. The guidance provided herein supplements that provided

in those two standards and addresses issues that are specifically related to STCs.

The first step in determining an individual's internal dose as a result of a radioactive material

intake, is to determine the magnitude of the intake (in units of activity). Determinations of

individual radioactive material intakes generally fall under three different methods: 1) in-vivo

analyses, such as whole body or organ counting; 2) in-vitro analyses, using analyses of excreta

(urine or fecal analyses); and 3) air monitoring, using results of airborne contamination

monitoring programs. The actual method used depends on a number of factors, including the

characteristics of the material to be analyzed, results of prior scientific analyses to develop

applicable protocols, and the analytical equipment available. This chapter discusses

evaluations of the need for individual monitoring and the applicability of these various methods

to evaluating intakes of STCs.

4.1 Identifying Individuals to be Monitored

Compliance with the internal dose monitoring requirements requires consideration of

several factors. One of the first steps in implementing the internal dose monitoring

program is identifying those individuals for whom internal dose monitoring will be required.

This determination depends on the individual's classification (i.e., radiological worker,

declared pregnant worker, occupationally-exposed minor, or member of the public) and

likely dose. An estimate of an individual's likely dose requires knowledge of multiple

factors, including:

Areas to which the individual has access;

Radiological conditions in those areas;

Amount of time to be spent in affected areas; and

Activities that the individual will be performing.

Consistent with DOE G 441.1-3 (DOE 1999a), this type of assessment is typically

conducted on a work-group, rather than on an individual, basis. However, individual

assessments may be required occasionally to address special or unique activities (e.g.,

declared pregnant workers, short term specialist assignments). The assessment should

include all of the individual's internal exposures at the DOE activity, including those not

related to STC exposure.

If estimates indicate that the individual's dose is unlikely to exceed the applicable

mandatory monitoring threshold provided in 10 CFR 835.402, then no individual monitoring

is required. However, the area monitoring program should provide sufficient data to