Occupational Dose Limits

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Radiological Standards

March 2005

213 Occupational Dose Limits

Occupational dose limits are provided in Table 2-1 and shall not be exceeded [see 835.202(a)(1)-(4)]. All

occupational dose received during the current year, except the dose resulting from planned special exposures and

emergency exposures, shall be included when demonstrating compliance with Table 2-1 limits [see 835.202(b) &

702(d)]. If formal records of an individual's prior occupational dose during the year cannot be obtained, a written

estimate signed by the individual may be accepted [see 835.702(d)]. Written estimates should not be used as a

basis for authorizing planned special exposures or emergency exposures.

In an exceptional situation, a radiological worker may be authorized to receive a dose in excess of the values of the

limits specified in Table 2-1.

Planned special exposures may be authorized for an individual to receive doses in addition to and accounted

for separately from doses received under the Table 2-1 limits [see 835.204].

Under emergency conditions, individuals may be authorized to receive doses that exceed the limits established

in Table 2-1 [see 835.1301 & 1302]. The provisions of this Standard are not intended to limit actions

necessary to protect health and safety under these conditions [see 835.3(d)].

DOE believes that there are few situations in which conduct of a planned special exposure or emergency exposure

will constitute a best management practice and that proper implementation of the provisions of this Standard will

obviate the need for conducting these operations. Therefore, specific guidance for conduct of these operations is

not provided in this Standard. Requirements for authorizing, conducting, recording, and reporting these operations

are provided in 10 CFR 835 and, for emergency exposures, in DOE Emergency Management Guides.

The occupational dose limits provided in Table 2-1 apply to all general employees. However, general employees

who have not completed appropriate training and examinations are not permitted unescorted access to any

radiological area [see 835.901(b)].

214 Member of the Public Dose Limit

Members of the public permitted access to the controlled area at DOE sites shall be limited to an annual radiation dose of

100 millirem from the sum of doses received from internal and external radiation sources [see 835.208].

215 Embryo/Fetus Dose Controls

After a female worker voluntarily notifies her employer in writing that she is pregnant, for the purposes of fetal/embryo

protection, she is considered a declared pregnant worker. This declaration may be revoked, in writing, at any time by the

declared pregnant worker [see 835.2(a), Declared pregnant worker].

The employer should provide the option of a mutually agreeable assignment of work tasks, without loss of pay or

promotional opportunity, such that further occupational radiation exposure during the remainder of the gestation

period is unlikely.

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