Declared pregnant worker: Embryo/fetus

DOE-HDBK-1130-98

5. Declared pregnant worker: Embryo/fetus

After a female worker voluntarily notifies her employer in writing that she is pregnant,

she is considered a declared pregnant worker. For the purposes of radiological

protection of the fetus/embryo, DOE requires a special limit for dose to the

fetus/embryo. In addition, the DOE RCS recommends that the employer provide the

option of a mutually agreeable assignment of work tasks, with no loss of pay or

promotional opportunity, such that further occupational radiation exposure is unlikely.

This declaration may be revoked, in writing, at anytime by the declared pregnant

worker.

b. DOE limit

For a declared pregnant worker who continues working as a radiological worker,

the following radiation dose limit will apply.

1) The dose equivalent limit for the embryo/fetus (during the entire gestation

period) is 500 mrem.

a) Measures must be taken to avoid substantial variation above the uniform

exposure rate necessary to meet the 500 mrem limit for the gestation

period.

b) The DOE RCS recommends that efforts be made to avoid exceeding 50

mrem/month to the embryo/fetus of the declared pregnant worker.

2) If the dose equivalent to the embryo/fetus is determined to have already

exceeded 500 mrem when a worker notifies her employer of her pregnancy,

the worker shall not be assigned to tasks where additional occupational

radiation exposure is likely during the remainder of the pregnancy.

b. Site policy

(Insert facility-specific information.)

c. Facility administrative control level

(Insert facility-specific information.)

6. Members of the public

a. DOE radiation dose equivalent limit is 100 mrem/year.

b. Facility administrative control levels

(Insert facility-specific information.)