Dose thresholds alert users before they approach regulatory limits and raise awareness of high dose situations for investigation by adhering to ALARA principles.
Overview
In the NetDose Program, Administrators have the ability to set two main types of thresholds at different locations within the software. NetDose has a basic dose threshold than can include a dose rate as well as ALARA investigative thresholds. These thresholds play a crucial role in ensuring radiation safety and minimize radiation exposure. Whenever dose thresholds are exceeded, an alert will be generated, and notifications will be sent to users. For more information on alerts, please click here.
NetDose Dose Threshold
The first type of threshold is the NetDose Dose Threshold. This threshold allows users to define a dose limit and dose rate limit that will alert the user when it has been exceeded. By setting this threshold, users can monitor, and track radiation doses received by individuals before they approach or exceed regulatory limits or investigatory levels. The threshold values can be set for both deep and shallow doses.
The thresholds can be changed from the 'Service Configurations' tab in four different Navigation menus found on the left side of the screen:
- Account profile: Changes made here will apply globally to all users, devices, and departments by default.
To make changes, click the "Edit" button in the upper right corner:
- Departments: Changes made here can be applied to the user's and devices in the department.
When configuring departments, you can choose to set department specific thresholds or to use the settings under the account profile. This is done by checking or unchecking the 'same as' box near the top of the menu. When the box is unchecked, you can edit the options for department level thresholds:
To edit, select the department and then click the edit button in the pop-up window:
- Users: Changes made here can apply to individual users.
When configuring users, you can choose to set user specific thresholds or to use the settings under the account profile, or if they are in a department, the department level settings. This is done by checking or unchecking the 'same as' box near the top of the menu. When the box is unchecked, you can edit the options for user level thresholds:
To edit, click on the user and then the edit button in the pop-up window:
- Devices: Changes made here can apply to a specific device.
When configuring devices, you can choose to set device specific thresholds or to use the settings for the wearer (user). This is done by checking or unchecking the 'same as' box near the top of the menu. When the box is unchecked, you can edit the options for device level thresholds: 
To edit, click on the device, then the three dots (
), in the pop-up window, next click edit: 
The tiered control feature allows for customization at each level of use, providing flexibility instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Thresholds can vary depending on the specific type of work being performed and the individuals involved. For instance, the global account level settings can serve as the default thresholds for all users not assigned to a department, while different threshold settings can be applied to specific departments and selected users within those departments.
ALARA Discussion
Before we delve into the second type of threshold, let's take a moment to discuss ALARA. ALARA, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," is a principle outlined in Title 10, Section 20.1003 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 20.1003). It emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation by making every reasonable effort to keep doses well below the established limits. This involves considering factors such as technological advancements, economic feasibility, public health and safety benefits, societal considerations, and the responsible use of nuclear energy and licensed materials. ALARA serves as a guiding principle for maintaining radiation safety while achieving desired outcomes.
When establishing a radiation safety program for a site, it is essential to always consider the ALARA principle. To adhere to this principle, one effective tool is the use of thresholds that initiate investigations into the cause of a user's exposure. These investigations serve to encourage self-review and reassessment, aiming to answer important questions such as the necessity of the exposure level, the potential for mitigation or reduction through process changes, and the implementation of engineering or safety controls to prevent such exposures. The goal is to keep doses ALARA, and the specific nature of these investigations and subsequent actions are determined by the Radiation Safety Officer, License holder, or a similar authority. Typically, two levels are defined: Level I and Level II, which are fractions (usually 10% and 30%) of the total allowable annual dose limits. These investigations are conducted on a quarterly and annual basis to ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of radiation safety practices.
ALARA Thresholds
NetDose integrates the ALARA philosophy by providing thresholds specifically for ALARA level I and level II investigation dose thresholds, including an ALARA level report that demonstrates the radiation safety program's adherence to the ALARA philosophy. For more information on reporting, please click here.
The thresholds can be changed from the 'ALARA thresholds' tab in two different Navigation menus found on the left side of the screen. They are edited the same way as the standard threshold described in the sections above.
- Account profile: Changes made here will apply globally to all users, devices, and departments by default.
- Departments: Changes made here can be applied to the user's and devices in the department.
When configuring departments, you can choose to set department specific ALARA thresholds or to use the settings under the account profile. This is done by checking or unchecking the 'same as' box near the top of the menu. When the box is unchecked, you can edit the options for department level ALARA thresholds: 
By utilizing both the NetDose Dose Threshold and the ALARA Threshold, users can effectively manage and control radiation exposure within their organizations. These thresholds provide valuable notifications of dose levels, enabling users to take proactive steps to reduce risks and maintain a safe working environment. Whether it's monitoring patient doses in a medical facility or ensuring worker safety in a nuclear power plant, the NetDose Program offers a comprehensive solution for setting and managing these thresholds to safeguard against excessive radiation exposure.
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