Conduct of Radiological Operations

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Excellence in Radiological Control

June 2004

Due to the continuing concerns of many individuals related to low radiation exposure and health impacts, managers

should be trained to deal with personnel perceptions concerning radiation risks. Managers and first-line supervisors

should be sensitive to the fact that workers have to understand the fundamentals of radiation, its risks, and their role in

controlling exposure. It is not sufficient to rely solely on regulatory limits for establishing or defining acceptable work

practices and work environments.

Appropriate training in accordance with Article 651 is helpful in dealing with workers who have anxiety about

radiation.

Some individuals, such as those who have had internal depositions of radionuclides, may be concerned about future

doses. Such instances warrant special attention on the part of the manager. Counseling with such individuals is the

preferred way to consider relevant factors. In some cases, special control levels as described in Article 216 should

be applied.

125 Conduct of Radiological Operations

This Standard is consistent with the provisions of DOE 5480.19, Conduct of Operations Requirements for DOE

Facilities. The concepts of all chapters of DOE 5480.19 apply to the conduct of radiological control activities.

Managers at all levels should be involved in the planning, scheduling, and conduct of radiological work. Assurance

of adequate radiological safety should not be compromised to achieve production, remediation, or research

objectives.

Supervisors should be technically knowledgeable and inquisitive and should ask questions of the work force

concerning radiological work details to verify worker comprehension.

Line managers should periodically monitor work areas to observe personnel at work and to identify good

radiological work practices and radiological deficiencies and concerns. Frequent inspections and walk-throughs,

including off-hours and weekends (where appropriate), are essential to reinforce management expectations to the

work force.

Managers, supervisors, and workers should be involved in the development of accurate, clear, written procedures

for performing radiological work. If during the use of procedures a written requirement cannot be responsibly

followed, the work should be stopped and guidance obtained.

Supervisors and managers should encourage the work force to identify radiological control deficiencies and

concerns. Prompt action should be taken to address and eliminate identified issues and prevent recurrence.

Training, indoctrination, and procedure review are useful in addressing these issues.

Managers and supervisors should establish working conditions that encourage improved radiological control. This

includes temperature, humidity, and lighting as well as the more difficult considerations of accessibility. Work

conditions should be considered in planning work.

Cleanliness and good housekeeping are essential. A good radiological control program cannot exist in a sloppy,

dirty workplace. Cleaning up after operations should be automatic for each person. It is not reasonable to expect

radiological control to be separated from the work environment; they go together.

Subcontractors and subcontracted employees should be treated the same as facility staff in the area of radiological

control matters, shall have comparable radiation safety training [see 835.901], and should meet the same

requirements and expectations.

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