E. Maximum Permissible Radiation Dose Limits for Individuals

3. The ALARA Program

The RSO evaluates radiation exposures for adherence to the University's program for maintaining exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). Any excessive exposures and/or deviations from the ALARA program are investigated by the RSO and reported to the RRSC. The investigation levels and the basic procedures for maintaining the ALARA program are as follows:

INTERNAL EXPOSURE

Level I

Level II

10 % of the applicable

30% of the applicable

Annual Limit on Intake (ALI)

Annual Limit on Intake (ALI)

 

EXTERNAL EXPOSURE

 

Level I

Level II

Whole body

125 mrem/qtr

375 mrem/qtr

Lens of eye

375 mrem/qtr

1250 mrem/qtr

Extremities

1250 mrem/qtr

3750 mrem/qtr

Skin

1250 mrem/qtr

3750 mrem/qtr

Organ

1250 mrem/qtr

3750 mrem/qtr

Except when deemed necessary, no further action will be taken in those cases where an individual's exposure is less than those listed under Level I.

Each individual whose exposure equals or exceeds Level I will be asked to complete an Investigation of Elevated Exposure form. The RSO will then review this form and the individual's exposure history. The RSO will report the results of this review at the first RRSC meeting following the quarter when the exposure was recorded. If the exposure does not equal or exceed Level II, no action related specifically to the exposure is required unless deemed appropriate by the RSO and/or RRSC. The RRSC will, however, consider each exposure in comparison with those of others performing similar procedures as an indication of the ALARA program quality and will record the review in the RRSC minutes.

Each individual whose exposure equals or exceeds Level II will be asked to complete an Investigation of Elevated Exposure form. The RSO will then review this form and the individual's exposure history. The RSO will investigate in a timely manner the cause(s) of all personnel exposures equaling or exceeding Level II, and if warranted, take action. A report of the investigation, actions taken, if any, and a copy of the individual's exposure history will be presented to the RRSC at the first quarterly meeting following completion of the investigation. The details of the investigation will also be made available to NRC inspectors for review at the time of inspection.

In cases where a worker's or a group of workers' exposures are expected to routinely exceed an ALARA Level, a new, higher Level may be established if it is consistent with good ALARA practices for that individual or group. Justification for a new ALARA Level will be documented. The RRSC must review and approve all revisions of ALARA Levels.

 

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