ALARA Guidelines - doe-std-1136-20040099

DOE-STD-1136-2004

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities

4.3.5 ALARA Guidelines

The total dose to an individual and the collective dose to the work force should be ALARA. When

applied to personnel contamination or internal intakes, this generally means less-than-detectable dose with

the best available commercial technology.

4.3.6 Release Criteria

The decision to release personnel with detectable uranium contamination is made on a case-by-case

basis. If the individual is injured and needs prompt medical attention, medical treatment will always take

precedence, with compensatory measures made for protecting medical personnel and facilities. If injuries

are absent or do not require immediate attention, decontamination is preferable to ensure that the dose to the

contaminated individual and the potential for inhalation by the victim and medical staff are minimized and

the spread of contamination is prevented.

In a case where decontamination is incomplete due to injury to the skin or other reasons, the

individual may be provisionally released with measures to prevent the spread of contamination.

4.4 DECONTAMINATION AND DECOMMISSIONING TECHNIQUES

This section concentrates on decontamination techniques to be used in the final decommissioning of a

uranium-contaminated facility for unrestricted release. Some of these techniques are similar to those used

during routine operations (e.g., personnel decontamination and some equipment and building surface

decontamination). Contamination detection methods are similar for routine and D&D operations.

4.4.1 Personnel Decontamination

Skin decontamination should be performed by health physics technicians or other members of the

health physics staff. The treatment and decontamination of wounds should be performed by medical

staff.

Non-abrasive methods should be used for skin decontamination to protect the tissues from deeper

contamination. Masking tape should be used to remove dry contamination. Wet decontamination should be

used to remove residual contamination. The skin should be gently scrubbed with soap and water. Household

bleach may be applied as needed to decontaminate more effectively. The following procedure is

recommended:

a. Survey the worker to determine the contaminated areas of the skin. Have the medical staff treat

and decontaminate breaks in the skin.

b. Wipe loose contamination with a gauze sponge or cotton applicators dipped in mild antiseptic

detergent. Do not spread contamination to uncontaminated areas.

c. Rub the skin with the applicators to produce good sudsing.

d. Use soft bristle scrub brushes for fingernails and other difficult-to-clean areas as long as the skin

barrier is maintained intact. It may be difficult to decontaminate the cuticles and under the nails.

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