What Should I Know About Wearing a Dosimeter Badge?
What Should I Know About Wearing a Dosimeter Badge?
There are proper ways to wear a dosimeter badge to ensure it functions properly. Dosimeter badges, like those from radiationsafety.com, monitor your radiation exposure, but only if worn correctly. So, what should you know about wearing a dosimeter badge?
Radiationsafety.com offers OSL, short for optically stimulated luminescence, badges, which are instruments for measuring radiation. OSL dosimeter badges are the industry standard for governments, hospitals, labs, and companies worldwide. An OSL dosimeter is a passive form of radiation detection and requires optical stimulation to function.
OSL technology is more advanced and accurate than TLD dosimeters. A TLD dosimeter, or thermoluminescent dosimeter, is a passive radiation dosimeter that measures ionizing radiation. The TLD dosimeter requires heat to function. Therefore, they are most useful for situations where information about radiation amounts needs to be precise over a specified period.
Medical practitioners and scientists use clip-on dosimeter badges and dosimeter rings. They are part of PPE and are standard monitoring devices. They are individualized for each employee to monitor radiation exposure over time.
Radiation detection devices do not block the wearer from radiation but are used to monitor radiation exposure. Dosimeter badges and rings are one part of an ALARA program. ALARA stands for “as low as reasonably achievable.” Employers are directed by federal and state law to implement an ALARA program for staff. As part of ALARA programs, minimize radiation exposure by limiting the time and proximity to a radioactive source. Take cover or shield yourself if you are near the source. REMEMBER-TIME, DISTANCE, and SHIELDING are the three principles of radiation safety.
Lead is a common material used in shielding devices. Follow these principles when wearing lead or not.
When Wearing Lead
- Wear two dosimeter badges – one on your waist under the lead and one on your collar on top of the lead.
- Alternatively, wear one dosimeter badge on your chest over the lead.
- Dosimeter rings must be worn under gloves.
- Pregnant women should wear a dosimeter badge on their waist under the lead.
When Not Wearing Lead
- Wear one dosimeter badge on your chest
- Dosimeter rings must be worn under gloves.
- Pregnant women should wear a dosimeter badge on their waist under the lead.
Badges are collected and measured regularly, either monthly or every other month. Those working in high-exposure circumstances or pregnant women might have their badges collected and measured more frequently. Badges and rings should not be worn during medical x-rays and examinations or intentionally exposed to radiation. These devices monitor radioactivity occupationally. It is imperative that each individual keeps track of their badge and never wears another person’s badge. This causes inaccurate measurements of an individual’s radiation dosage.
Badges should be stored safely and securely when not at work, away from the source of radiation or anything contaminated. Do not bring the badge home. When receiving a new badge, the old badge and the control badge should be sent to the laboratory for reading. Contact your employer immediately if a radiation detection badge or ring is misplaced.
Radiationsafety.com is a radiation detection company that provides radiation monitoring devices like dosimeter badges and rings that are reliable and affordable when appropriately worn by the user. The above statements are to serve as a guide. As always, check with your manufacturer to determine the safest way to monitor your radiation.
Source: https://research.weill.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/radiation_dosimeter_badge_guidelines_0.pdf
https://blog.universalmedicalinc.com/7-alara-principles-for-reducing-radiation-exposure/
