Dosimetry
Dosimetry is a vital tool for tracking and documenting the ionizing radiation dose received by personnel working with specialized materials and equipment. The Radiological Safety Office oversees the entire program—from issuing monitoring devices to maintaining permanent exposure records—ensuring all personnel remain safely within regulatory limits.
Overview
Understanding our approach to monitoring ionizing radiation is the first step in maintaining a safe workplace.
Dosimetry is a specialized process for tracking occupational ionizing radiation dose for specific personnel. The program is designed for individuals whose roles involve direct or frequent interaction with:
- Radioactive Material (RAM): Research and clinical sources that emit radiation.
- Radiation Producing Devices (RPD): Equipment that generates radiation during use.
Issuance Criteria
Not every role requires a dosimeter; issuance is based on strict safety thresholds and regulatory standards.
Personnel dosimeters are not issued universally but are assigned based on risk factors and work environments. You will typically receive a dosimeter if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Regulatory Thresholds: You are likely to exceed 10% of the annual regulatory dose limit.
- High-Risk Areas: Your work requires you to enter areas designated as "high" or "very high" radiation zones.
- Officer Discretion: The Radiological Safety Officer (RSO) determines that a monitor is necessary for your specific task or environment.
Services & Responsibilities
After reviewing the issuance criteria, it's important to understand the support the Radiological Safety Office provides for your dosimetry needs.
Our office serves as the central hub for the university’s dosimetry program, offering technical and administrative support. Core responsibilities include:
- Distribution: Ordering and distributing personal dosimeters to campus units.
- Tracking: Monitoring and recording personnel exposure levels over time.
- Reporting: Generating and providing dose history reports upon request.
We're Here To Help!
If you have questions about your eligibility for monitoring, need to update your dosimetry status, or require a copy of your dose history, please email us.
Email Rad Safety