Primary Dosimetry
Abstract
The need for primary dosimetry is inherent due to the Navy's operation of nuclear reactors and their emission of ionizing radiation. Title 10 CFR 20.1502 states "Each licensee shall monitor exposures to radiation and radioactive material at levels sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the occupational dose limits." A primary dosimeter must pass accreditation proficiency testing, allowing the reading obtained to become a part of an individual's permanent health record. This permanent record is used to protect the individual radiation worker's health, and also the Navy from future liability. The Navy's current primary device is the DT-702/PD, a passive Thermo Luminescence Dosimeter (TLD). Existing TLDs and newer technologies, such as Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), must be continually researched to determine on-going performance parameters, cost to field and cost to maintain, since the current system is approaching the end of its useful life and must be replaced by 2030. A passive device does not provide a display of the dose being received, which can be important in certain circumstances. The dosimeter instead must be sent to a facility with a special reader to recover the dose, which is then entered in the individual's medical records. An active device displays the dose digitally in real time, providing immediate feedback in high risk scenarios. Newer passive-active systems can do both.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- ffb63f6be184501528653001ecfb7366
Related Documents
- Root: Radiological Control