Small amounts of radiation exposure are considered normal, even outside of the workplace. However, the more exposure you have to radiation, the more likely it becomes dangerous over time. If an employee becomes exposed to harmful amounts of radiation, the responsibility for damages of the radiation falls on the employer. To monitor employee health in work environments with harmful radiation levels, companies rely on dosimetry monitoring to document an employee’s exposure to radiation over a certain period of time. Learn how often dosimetry monitoring should be conducted in workplaces with harmful radiation levels.
What is Dosimetry?
Dosimetry measures whether an individual was exposed to radiation, what type of radiation was exposed, and the amount/dosage of radiation the person’s body received. A dosimeter is a small portable instrument for measuring and recording the total accumulated dose of ionizing radiation a person receives. PL Medical specializes in personal dosimeters that can be worn as a badge or a ring, along with other personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against radiation exposure. Dosimeters do not protect against radiation itself but measure and alert working professionals if the radiation they are exposed to is considered dangerous. Radiation monitoring with dosimeters ensures that working professionals are aware of potential exposure to harmful doses of radiation.
How Often Should Dosimetry Monitoring Be Conducted?
Dosimeters are not meant to last a lifetime. Each is designed to measure a specific individual’s exposure to radiation over a set period of time. The employer determines this period from monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual intervals. Personal dosimeters must be reviewed at least quarterly or right after being replaced. With dosimetry monitoring, the more frequent the evaluation, the better for staying informed on an employee’s health regarding radiation exposure. Dosimeter badges from PL Medical can withstand daily activities and are created to be used for up to one year.
Why Does Dosimetry Monitoring Matter?
Dosimetry monitoring and the frequency of practice matter for the following reasons:
- Ensuring Ongoing Safety: The primary reason for frequent dosimetry monitoring is to safeguard employees exposed to radiation, especially in large and harmful quantities. While dosimeters do not protect employees against radiation, regular checks help minimize the effects of harmful radiation exposure when detected early.
- Optimizing Radiation Protection Strategies: Frequent monitoring allows organizations to document trends and patterns in radiation exposure over time. This information is invaluable for optimizing radiation protection strategies over time.
- Compliance with the Law: Companies must comply with regulatory entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure a safe work environment. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.
Download our guide for more information about occupational dose limits.
Interested in Dosimetry Services?
PL Medical’s dosimetry program is known for providing technology-leading OSL dosimeters to implement and ensure a successful radiation safety program that meets state and federal regulations. To learn more about PL Medical’s dosimetry services, get in touch with us!