Dosimeter Instructions

Dosimeters measure the wearer's exposure to radiation, including x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles and beta particles. They are routinely used by people who receive daily exposure to radiation in their jobs. Visitors to high-radiation areas, such as nuclear reactors, may need to wear dosimeters as well. Employers usually issue clip-on badge dosimeters that contain a layer of radiation-sensitive material. Workers whose hands receive high exposure also wear ring dosimeters on a finger.



The organization or business's department in charge of radiation safety monitors each employee's exposure to ensure it does not exceed the annual limit. The total effective dose limit is 5 rem, according to Arizona State University. An rem is the radiation dose multiplied by a quality factor, which varies according to the type of radiation.

Instructions

• 1

  Attach the dosimeter to your clothing at the part of your body that will receive the highest levels of radiation. If you receive fairly uniform exposure, wear the dosimeter on the trunk of your body. This is because the most critical organs for radiation exposure are in the torso, according to the University of Virginia.

• 2

  Wear the dosimeter on the outside of any shielding equipment, such as lead aprons. If you are pregnant, wear the dosimeter monitoring the fetus' exposure underneath the lead apron, but attach your own dosimeter outside the apron as usual.

• 3

  Wear a ring dosimeter, if one is necessary, on your dominant hand under the protective glove. Orient it so that the front of the ring faces the radiation source.

• 4

  Remove your dosimeter before leaving work and store it in an area that does not expose it to radiation.

• 5

  Exchange the dosimeter every month or every quarter, depending on which is required by your employer.