Causes of Accidental Exposures (Key Item)

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices

Instructor's Guide

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

DOE facilities are designed and operated to reduce personnel

dose equivalents as far below the occupational limits as

reasonably achievable. The dose equivalent received by DOE

X-ray workers is typically between 0 and 100 mrem per year

above the natural background.

CAUSES OF ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURES (KEY ITEM)

Objective 9

Although most X-ray workers do not receive radiation doses

Discuss facility-specific

near the regulatory limit, it is important to recognize that

incidents.

X-ray device-related accidents have occurred when proper

procedures have not been followed. Failure to follow proper

procedures has been the result of:

Rushing to complete a job.

Boredom.

Fatigue.

Illness.

Personal problems.

Lack of communication.

Complacency.

Every year there are numerous X-ray incidents nationwide.

Of these, about one third result in injury to a person. The

incident rate at DOE laboratories is much lower than the

national average.