Radiation Badge Monitoring: The Ultimate Guide
Suppose you are beginning or contemplating working in an environment where you’re exposed to radiation or just curious about radiation monitoring. Regardless of your reasons, it’s natural for you to consider all of the health risks that can be presented.
In this article, we will be presenting you with information regarding radiation monitoring. We hope to layout essentially the ultimate guide to help you answer any concerns or questions you may have regarding this topic.
If you are searching for an expert and reliable company for radiation monitoring and dosimeter devices, check out Med Pro!
Related: Industries Served Using Dosimeter, X-Ray & Radiation Badges
Why is Radiation Consider Harmful?
Radiation is considered to be harmful because it damages the cells which make up the human body. Anyone exposed to low radiation levels is not regarded as dangerous as opposed to medium to high levels. At medium levels, a person can become sick, showing symptoms of headaches, fever, and vomiting are just a few of the symptoms. On the contrary, with high-level exposures, this results in damage to your internal organs.
Exposure to radiation at high levels becomes very challenging and difficult to treat. Unfortunately, radiation exposure over long periods may result in cancer, so it is incredibly crucial to monitor radiation levels when working in an exposed environment. Read more about it, Radiation Mutation: How Radiation Affects DNA.
When are Radiation Monitoring Devices Required
At any point, anyone who is working in a place where there is radiation exposure must wear a radiation monitoring device, which is referred to as a dosimeter.
To be more specific:
- Operating any x-ray machines, including x-ray diffraction equipment, cabinet x-ray systems, and x-ray fluorescence equipment.
- If you’re a female that is pregnant while working in an environment of radiation exposure.
- Any lab where gamma and x-ray emitters or energetic beta emitters are used
These are just a few working condition examples of radiation exposure. For further information, take a look at this research article, The importance and unique aspects of radiation protection in medicine.
Related: The Effects Of Radiation On The Body
How to wear and use your radiation monitoring badges
Where does one wear their monitoring badge?
The best place to wear your radiation monitoring badge is between your neck and waist. This way, your badge is closer to the source of radiation. Also, the badge consists of a series of filers designed in a way where the type of radiation and energy can be determined and monitored. Thus the best way to determine these two parameters is best if the front of the monitoring badge faces the source of radiation.
If you are interested in learning about which device is best for you, check out this article, Which Dosimeter, Radiation Monitoring Badge or Ring?
How is monitoring the radiation from badges achieved?
The radiation monitoring badge contains a radiation-sensitive lithium fluoride crystal. When the atoms located in the crystal are exposed to radiation, the electrons trapped in an excited state give off energy when the crystal is heated at a too high temperature. This released energy is given off as visible light and is measured to figure out the radiation dose.
The minimum required reported dose for a badge is ten millirems for gamma rays and x-rays. It is incredibly crucial that your badge is monitored and measured on time to prevent health issues.
Guidelines for when using radiation monitoring badges
It is imperative that foremost you do not share your badge with anyone. At any moment in time, if you notice that your badge is damaged or lost, notify the proper personnel authorities of your workplace. By doing so, they can provide you with replacement badges as soon as possible.
This badge is specifically for you and for you to use while your radiation exposure can be monitored. Therefore do not use this badge if you are seeking treatment that involves radiation exposure. Tampering with your radiation device in such a way is a severe legal matter. The device is solely to document your occupational radiation dose and not your medical radiation dose. Read furthermore on Dosimeter Badge Guidelines.
Damaged and Lost Monitoring Badges
If you find yourself in the situation of your badge being damaged, contaminated, or lost, then get in touch with the personnel of your workplace right away so they can issue you a replaced badge. In any case, NEVER borrow somebody else’s monitoring device. This will cause a lot of problems.
How Badges are Exchanged and Processed
Badges are exchanged and processed according to a strict timeline, and they must be followed accordingly. Exchanges of badges occur quarterly, and a new badge is handed to you before the beginning of each calendar quarter.
Fees of Monitoring Badges
The fees are handled and processed by your work personnel. An individual employee is charged only if your badge is not returned on time or if you have lost your badge.
Take a look at this research article, Occupational dosimetry in real time.
How are Dose Reports Read?
Once you have returned your badge at the end of each quarter, the badges are usually sent to a contractor hired by your workplace. When they receive your badge, they will review them and create a dose report. If they find that your badge exceeds the levels required for monitoring, you will be contacted by your workplace personnel, and an investigation begins. The investigation is to determine why the dose was so high and how to minimize your exposure.
Related: What Materials Block Radiation?
The Overall Picture of Radiation Badge Monitoring Guide
Our hope is that we have given you a thorough summary of radiation badge monitoring and it’s importance. If you are deciding on working in a place where you will be exposed to radiation, then it is highly advised that you research and practice all safety protocols.
If you feel as though you may have more concerns or questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, and perhaps this will help answer any more of your questions or concerns.
Don’t forget if you are searching for a reliable and expert company that specializes in such devices, contact Med-Pro today!
