Question

Discuss an overview of the industry standard of radiation exposure for nuclear workers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of individual montoring for radiation exposure? What industry standards place into the enforcement of individual monitoring?

Answer 1

Nuclear workers involves handling nuclear (Radioactive) materials which can cause both internal and external exposure of the body suffering radiation hazards. The maqgnitude of exposure depends upon the type of work within the department. Radiation protection in nuclear operation is concerned with the control of both norman and potential exposure of worker in all situations that involve use of unsealed sources of radiation.

The control of occupational exposure is effectively utilised by various actions such as 1. design of facilities, 2. Designation of workplaces in control, 3. supervision areas, 4. Individual monitoring arrangements, 5. Monitoring of contamination, 6. use of personal protective devices and tools following the local rules and procedures.Public access to nuclear departments is restricted and therefore be effeciently utilised by shielding the radiation sources, proper design of the facility, access restriction and by safe working procedure followed by the staff by providing required training.

Advantages of Individual monitoring: Individual monitoring keep you off from any risk from the radiation. It protects the self as well as the enviroment in-and-around. Workers contribution toward stheir assignment enhances with individual safety in place

Disadvantages: It is more expensive as the protecting materials and safety tools to be supplied to an individal.

The designing of protective machanism is quite complicated and more space, machines and supervision is required.

As per industry standard the maximum annual dose allowed for radiation worker is 20mSv per year. according to IAEA the allowable short term dose for emergency workers involving life-saving actions is 500mSv.