Dosimetry Requirements

Obtaining and Using Dosimeters

The Oregon rules for dosimetry can be found in Oregon Administrative Rules 333-120.

All personnel dosimeters that require processing to determine the radiation dose must be processed and evaluated by a dosimetry processor that is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has developed a regulatory guidance document for prenatal radiation exposure.

Dosimeter Do's and Don'ts

1. DO wear it when working. What good is it if it is in a locker or purse?
2. DO turn it in promptly. Time gaps make analysis more difficult, less accurate, and reduces the legal and historical value of the reports.
3. DO report a lost/damaged unit immediately (sunshine/heat, the washer, etc...). Prevent damage by not leaving your monitor in areas of high temperature
4. DON'T wear it when you are receiving X-rays for your own personal health care.
5. DON'T wear it away from the workplace.
6. DON'T wear it under your apron (unless you are using more than one dosimeter).

7. DON'T place the control badge in a radiation area; this affects the accuracy of all dosimeters!

8. DON'T place one in an area for testing (operator booth, receptionist's desk, etc). Additional badges for testing can be assigned and provided by the service.
9. DON'T share your badge; this is illegal. An exposure total for a shared dosimeter is meaningless to each individual.
10. DON'T tamper with your badge or anyone else's. The reports are legal documents and are regarded as real exposures received.