Radiation Exposure Dosimetry

Radiation workers may be required to wear a radiation dosimeter badge to

• assess personal exposure to radiation
• demonstrate exposure does not exceed regulatory limits
• ensure exposures are ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)

Radiation workers who may exceed 10% of the annual dose limit must wear a dosimeter badge. This typically applies to those working with x-rays, radioactive materials, or other radiation-emitting devices.

Dosimeter badges track cumulative exposure and help ensure doses remain ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Your supervisor must notify the Radiation Safety Officer (radsafety@uthsc.edu) by completing a Personal Dosimeter Request Form when you are assigned to a job task involving the potential for exposure to radiation. The Radiation Safety Officer will issue your radiation dosimeter. 

If you have not been issued a badge please complete a Personal Dosimeter Request Form and email it to the Radiation Safety Officer. The Radiation Safety Officer will contact you for additional information or process your badge request. Notify the Radiation Safety Officer if you lose your badge so a replacement can be issued.

Wear your badge whenever working with or near x-ray-emitting devices or radioactive materials.

Secure your work area — areas where radioactive materials are used or stored must be restricted to authorized personnel and posted with required signage.

Exchange your badge at your assigned reporting interval (typically monthly or quarterly). Return worn dosimeters to the Radiation Safety Officer when picking up new ones.

 

How do I Wear a Radiation Dosimeter Badge?

Badges should be worn on the torso to accurately report the amount of exposure received. Employees working in environments where elevated exposure to their extremities is likely should be issued a ring dosimeter by the Radiation Safety Officer. Fetal monitors should be worn as close to the embryo or fetus as possible. This dosimeter does not replace the requirement of a radiation dosimeter badge for the pregnant radiation worker. 

The Radiation Safety Officer will notify workers whenever their dose exceeds 10% of the annual limit (500 mrem). You may also request a copy of your dose history report by emailing the Radiation Safety Officer. Workers who have left UTHSC can request their dose history from the Radiation Safety Officer: radsafety@uthsc.edu.

Store your badge away from radioactive materials, or areas with elevated radiation levels. Dosimeters are shipped to the university with a control badge to detect radiation received in transit. This transit dose and background exposure is subtracted from your badges before your personal dose is calculated so that occupational exposure can be accurately reported.

If you lose your dosimeter at any time during the reading period, immediately request a replacement by emailing the Radiation Safety Officer.

Pregnant radiation workers who choose to declare their pregnancy will be issued a fetal dosimeter. These individuals have a fetal dose limit 500 mrem. Pregnant workers may declare their pregnancy to the Radiation Safety Officer by emailing radsafety@uthsc.edu.