HPS N13.39-2001 (R2011)

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Design of Internal Dosimetry Programs

Published By	Publication Date	Number of Pages
HPS	2001	74

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Description

Purpose, and Application

In the past, internal dosimetry standards have focused on
providing guidance for detection and dose assessment for specific
radionuclides or groups of radionuclides (e.g., tritium, uranium,
and fission and activation products). Frequently, however, these
standards provided conflicting or uneven treatment of the
programmatic elements that are basic to monitoring for and
assessing the dose from any radionuclide. Therefore, this standard
was developed to provide uniform and consistent guidance on
programmatic issues that are universally applicable to all
radionuclides and all occupational intake pathways.

This standard contains the essential elements of the internal
dosimetry component of a radiation protection program. It provides
general policies and the framework for the design and
implementation of an acceptable internal dosimetry program. The
topics included herein are definitions, organization, staffing and
training, program documentation, quality assurance, personnel
participation, internal dose assessment, incident response, and
records and reports.

Other than those examples necessary for clarification, this
standard does not address bioassay or internal dose assessment
methodologies for specific radionuclides.^(a) It is
intended that the development and implementation of
radionuclide-specific dosimetry programs be consistent with the
broad-scoped guidance provided herein.

By its very nature, internal dosimetry is a complex task with
varying degrees of difficulty, depending upon the radionuclide and
the means by which the radionuclide is metabolized. For some
radionuclides, such as tritium, it is relatively easy to monitor
for and assess intakes that result in small doses. For others, such
as ²³⁹Pu, the task is significantly more difficult.
Therefore, while this standard provides the minimal acceptable
elements of an internal dosimetry program regardless of the
radionuclide, it should not be used to restrict the level of
excellence readily achievable for some radionuclides.

This standard provides guidance for programs where monitoring
for possible intakes by workers is part of the radiation protection
program.

Engineered containment and administrative controls are used to
minimize the probability of an intake due to normal operations and
accident releases. Workplace surveillance practices identify that
the containment and administrative controls are effective. Routine
bioassay monitoring provides verification that radiological
controls are being maintained and work effectively. Special
bioassay is performed in response to indications of an abnormal
condition that might have resulted in an intake.This standard
focuses on establishing intake monitoring programs, identifying
intakes, and assessing internal dose. It does not address equally
important aspects of radiation protection involving minimizing
intakes or implementing aslow- as-reasonably-achievable total dose
control programs.

A graded approach is presented to account for programs involving
only a small risk of intake through programs with a risk of intake
that might result in an exposure above regulatory limits or even
potential radiation-induced health effects. Although most of the
standard addresses details relevant to programs with known or
substantial risks of intakes, it is recognized that one important
purpose of internal dosimetry programs is to document that
workplace controls are adequate and no recordable intakes are
occurring. Therefore, some guidance is provided for programs (or a
part of a program) that would not be expected to involve dose
assessment.

(a) Also excluded is information on dosimetric quantities and
units, regulatory interactions, regulatory or administrative dose
limits, methods of and recommendations on decorporation therapy,
performance requirements for bioassay methodologies, bioassay
frequencies, and uncertainties in assessment results. The reader is
referred to the References for information on these and related
topics.

Additional information