What is Radiation Dosimetry?

Radiation Dosimetry is the study or systematic measurement of the absorbed dose in matter and tissue resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Workers who may be exposed to ionizing radiation wear personal dosimeters to measure the dose. Personnel monitoring refers to the issuing of a dosimeter to an employee to track the dose received.

National Standards

As stated in the Regulatory Commission (NRC) standards, radiation monitoring is required when an individual’s exposure to ionizing radiation is likely to exceed 10% of the annual dose limit(s) listed above. Since it is often difficult to ensure that an employee has not exceeded the 10% exposure level, dosimeters are often used, at a minimum, to establish a baseline of exposure. Radiation safety requirements are enforced at the state level and vary widely. Please contact your state agency for the radiation dosimetry requirements in your state.

Badge Logistics

A radiation dosimetry badge does not provide protection, but detects and measures ionizing radiation to which personnel have been exposed. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges are used to assess whole body occupational radiation exposures.

How to Monitor

Only personnel with occupational exposure to ionizing radiation should wear radiation dosimetry badges. Most people wear their radiation dosimetry badge on their chest, clipped to their lapel. This is to monitor “whole body dose”. If a women is pregnant, then she should wear an additional badge on her abdomen. The intent is to wear the badge in the area most likely to receive exposure. Employees should wear their badge throughout the workday. The badges should not be taken home or exposed to high temperatures or high humidity. Only the individual whose name appears on the label should wear the dosimeter.

OSHA Review, Inc. provides Dosimety Monitoring Services.