Site Assessment

DOE-STD-1111-98

6.3 Site Assessment

The accreditation process requires a personnel dosimetry or radiobioassay program to demonstrate its

ability to perform in a credible manner. For initial accreditation, a site assessment is conducted after

performance testing has been completed. Otherwise, an accredited program undergoes a biennial site

assessment for whole body and extremity dosimetry or a triennial site assessment for radiobioassay.

6.3.1 Site Assessment Preparation. The PEPA selects at least two technical experts, based

primarily on their experience with the dosimetry system or radiobioassay program to be reviewed, to

conduct a site assessment. The PEPA then informs the program manager of which site assessors that

have been selected, notifies the cognizant field organization of the site assessment, and provides

copies of documents concerning the program to the assessment team. The assessment team leader

also contacts the program manager to schedule the site assessment and make other necessary

arrangements. An assessment typically lasts two to three days.

6.3.2 Opening Meeting. The assessment team begins a site assessment with an opening meeting to

explain the assessment process and agenda. The close-out meeting is also scheduled at this time.

The primary components of a site assessment are described in detail in the appropriate DOELAP

standard.

6.3.3 Close-Out Meeting. At the conclusion of an onsite visit, the assessors will discuss their visit

and any findings with appropriate members of the dosimetry or radiobioassay program's

management. A written summary of each finding discussed will be left with management's authorized

representative. The assessors then forward the assessment forms to the PEPA for use in the technical

evaluation of the program's accreditation application. The program may need to submit a remedial

action plan through their cognizant field organization to the PEPA if a finding is identified.

6.3.4 Findings. There are 3 categories of findings:

Observation. This is either a suggested improvement that a personnel dosimetry or radiobioassay

program may incorporate at its own discretion or the highlighting of a noteworthy practice. The

suggestion is offered to help "fine tune" a program. No written response is required.