New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 3 - RADIATION PROTECTION
Part 5 - RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS
Section 20.3.5.15 - PERSONNEL MONITORING

Universal Citation: 20 NM Admin Code 20.3.5.15

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 6, March 26, 2024

A. The licensee or registrant may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer or a radiographer's assistant unless, at all times during radiographic operations, each individual wears, on the trunk of the body, a combination of direct reading dosimeter, an operating alarm ratemeter, and a NVLAP certified dosimeter. At permanent radiography installations where other appropriate alarming or warning devices are in routine use, the wearing of an alarming ratemeter is not required.

(1) Pocket dosimeters must have a range from zero to 2 millisieverts (200 millirems) and must be recharged at the start of each shift. Electronic personal dosimeters may only be used in place of ion-chamber pocket dosimeters.

(2) Each NVLAP certified dosimeter must be assigned to and worn by only one individual.

(3) Film badges must be replaced at periods not to exceed one month. All other NVLAP certified dosimeters must be replaced at periods not to exceed three months.

(4) After replacement, each NVLAP certified dosimeter must be processed as soon as possible.

B. Direct reading dosimeters such as pocket dosimeters or electronic personal dosimeters must be read and the exposures recorded at the beginning and end of each shift. Records shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (2) of Subsection H of 20.3.5.15 NMAC.

C. Pocket dosimeters, or electronic personal dosimeters, must be checked at periods not to exceed 12 months for correct response to radiation. Acceptable dosimeters must read within plus or minus 20 percent of the true radiation exposure. Records shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (1) of Subsection H of 20.3.5.15 NMAC.

D. If an individual's pocket dosimeter is found to be off-scale, or if his or her electronic personal dosimeter reads greater than 2 millisieverts (200 millirems), and the possibility of radiation exposure cannot be ruled out as the cause, the individual's NVLAP certified dosimeter must be sent for processing within 24 hours. In addition, the individual may not resume work associated with radiation use until a determination of the individual's radiation exposure has been made. This determination must be made by the RSO or the RSO's designee. The results of this determination shall be documented. The documents shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (4) of Subsection H of 20.3.5.15 NMAC.

E. If a NVLAP certified dosimeter is lost or damaged, the worker shall cease work immediately until a replacement dosimeter is provided and the exposure is calculated for the time period from issuance to loss or damage of the dosimeter. The results of the calculated exposure and the time period for which the dosimeter was lost or damaged shall be documented. The documents shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (4) of Subsection H of 20.3.5.15 NMAC.

F. Reports received from dosimetry processors shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (3) of Subsection H of 20.3.5.15 NMAC.

G. Each alarm ratemeter must--

(1) Be checked to ensure that the alarm functions properly (sounds) before using at the start of each shift;

(2) Be set to give an alarm signal at a preset dose rate of 5 mSv/hr (500 mrem/hr); with an accuracy of plus or minus 20 percent of the true radiation dose rate;

(3) Require special means to change the preset alarm function; and

(4) Be calibrated at periods not to exceed 12 months for correct response to radiation. The licensee or registrant shall maintain records of alarm ratemeter calibrations in accordance with paragraph (2) of Subsection H of 20.3.5.15 NMAC.

H. Personnel Monitoring Records. Each licensee and registrant shall maintain the following exposure records pursuant to 20.3.5.15 NMAC:

(1) Direct reading dosimeter readings and yearly operability checks required by Subsections B and C of 20.3.5.15 NMAC for 3 years after the record is made.

(2) Records of alarm ratemeter calibrations for 3 years after the record is made.

(3) Reports received from dosimetry processors shall be maintained until the Department terminates the license or registration.

(4) Records of estimates of exposures as a result of: off-scale personal direct reading dosimeters, or lost or damaged external dosimetric device, until the Department terminates the license or registration.

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