PMDs (often in the form of a badge) detect and record an accumulated radiation dose over a set period. PMDs are usually worn at work by a worker for three months. The PMD is then sent to the dosimetry service provider for analysis and the measured accumulated dose is reported to the employer. The accumulated dose reflects the amount of radiation that the worker has been exposed to and can alert an employer to any inappropriate
exposure during the wear-period and can help determine if adjustments to work practices are required to protect employees from excess exposure. The Radiation Control Regulation 2013 sets a responsibility for employers to ensure that an employee's annual dose does not exceed the
occupational limits. Occupations requiring use of a PMDEmployers must provide a PMD to each worker occupationally exposed to radiation in the following areas
Responsibilities of employers and employees
Recording personal radiation exposureEmployers must keep a record of the doses received for each employee with a PMD, and these records should be regularly reviewed (e.g. quarterly). The dose record for each person provided with a PMD must contain
Records must be kept for each worker issued with a PMD containing
When a worker leaves their place of employment, the employer must provide
Managing employee dose ratesEmployers should review dose reports as they are received from dosimetry service providers in conjunction with previous reports. to determine if the worker's previous 12-month and five-year dose rates are within the required annual limits (an average of 20 mSv over five consecutive calendar years and no more than 50 mSv in any one year). Employers should note any high doses received by workers. The PMD service provider should highlight these high dose rates when reporting PMD analyses. If the reported dose rate exceeds an average of 400 microsieverts (µSv) per week over the wear period, the worker may have received a high dose and employer should investigate the cause. If a high dose report is received, the EPA may require a written explanation from the employer about the circumstances of the high dose. A change in work practice or role should be considered to manage an worker's annual dose. PMD service providersEmployers must only use PMD providers that have been approved by the EPA. Division 2 of the Radiation Control Regulation requires that employers ensure that all monitoring devices that are issued or installed are checked, maintained and calibrated in accordance with the EPA Guideline: Monitoring Devices (PDF 121KB). More informationFor any enquiries please contact the Regulatory and Compliance Support Unit on 9995 5700 or at .. What are radiation monitoring devices called?A radiation dosimeter is a device that measures dose uptake of external ionizing radiation. It is worn by the person being monitored when used as a personal dosimeter, and is a record of the radiation dose received.
What monitor is used for radiation safety?Who needs a dosimeter? Radiation workers who operate x-ray machines, flouroscopy units, certain unsealed and sealed radioisotopes or are exposed to other sources of gamma or high energy beta radiation are generally required to wear one or more dosimeters.
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