Improving Worker Awareness of Radiological Conditions

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Excellence in Radiological Control

March 2005

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.

10. Conditions that could cause or promote the spread of contamination, such as a leaking roof or piping, should be

identified and corrected on a priority basis.

126 Improving Worker Awareness of Radiological Conditions

In performing assigned duties within radiological areas, workers should be familiar with the area radiological conditions

and be aware of the possibility that unforeseen changes may occur. Although the conduct of radiological surveys is

viewed as a traditional role of radiological control technicians, experience has shown that properly trained and qualified

workers are capable of performing supplemental radiological surveys in the course of work. This process results in

exposure savings and improved contamination control.

Specific examples of surveys that may be effectively performed by workers and result in exposure reductions include

self-monitoring of dose rates during high radiation area entries and monitoring of tools and equipment for contamination

as a qualitative check during work in contamination areas. The performance of legal record surveys, such as release

surveys, should remain the responsibility of the radiological control organization.

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