General External Dose Control Practices

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Radiological Safety Traning for Uranium Facilities

Module 103 - External Dose Control

DOE facilities, dose received by an individual shall not exceed the limits specified in

Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835 (10 CFR 835).

The elements of an external dose control program include:

detecting and characterizing the beta, gamma, X-ray, and neutron radiation fields;

measuring and/or quantifying these radiation fields;

measuring personnel exposure; and

determining external exposure control practices.

General External Dose Control Practices

These ge neral pr incipl es shoul d be appl ied to co ntrol ex ternal dose fro m uranium:

minimizing time in the radiation field,

maximizing the distance from the radiation source,

using shielding to reduce the radiation field, and

reducing the amount of radioactive material being used.

Specific Beta Dose Control Principles

Surfaces emitting beta radiation are easily shielded with plastic or other light element

materials. Use of denser materials for shielding of high-energy beta radiation may

produce bremsstrahlung X rays and should be avoided.

Beta dose to the lens of the eye can be reduced by using safety glasses. Safety glasses

are commonly worn for industrial safety concerns in areas where uranium is handled.

Heavy rubber or leather gloves are effective in reducing the skin dose to the hand, but

their use must be balanced against other safety concerns, such as hazards from machinery

or loss of manua l dexterity.