How to Operate a Personal Radiation Dosimeter

A personal radiation dosimeter (or badge) is a small radiation monitoring device worn by persons in environments that may contain radiation. Such environments include hospitals and other health care facilities, laboratories, emergency environments, and industrial settings such as nuclear power plants and radiation-sterilizing facilities.



A radiation dosimeter does not protect you from radiation. Rather, it detects and measures radiation to which you have been exposed.



There are several types of radiation detection devices. No device, however, can detect every type of radiation and therefore no device is useful in every situation.

Flat whole body badges and ring badges (worn on a finger) are the most common personal radiation dosimeters.

Instructions

  1. Self-Indicating Instant Radiation Alert Dosimeter (SIRAD)

    • 1

      Write the date received on the back of the badge.

    • 2

      Check the sensor's color; it must be lighter than that of the expiration bar. A SIRAD has protective cover flap that encloses a radiosensitive strip and color-matching scale. Printed inside are an expiration date, instructions on reading the strip and a number to call if you have been exposed to medically significant levels of ionizing radiation.

    • 3

      Carry the badge in your wallet, purse or pocket. Or hang it from your neck or belt, as you would carry an ID badge.

    Whole Body Dosimeter

    • 4

      Check the badge to be certain the cover is secure, that it encloses tightly the radiosensitive film inside.

    • 5

      Clip or pin the badge on your collar, mid-torso or waist with the label facing out, positioned so that it is closest to the radiation source. The intent is to expose the badge in the area most likely to receive radiation.

      Badges must be worn on the outside of lead aprons.

    • 6

      Protect the badge from contamination. In some environments, this may require wearing it inside your lab coat or clothing.

    Ring Dosimeter

    • 7

      Fit the ring badge on a finger of the hand you will use most often to handle radioactive materials.

    • 8

      Position the white sensor plate so that it faces the palm of your hand, where the highest radiation exposure occurs.

    • 9

      Wear gloves to protect the badge from contamination.

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