Need a few tips on how to manage your inventory? Read on!
First, let's cover some basics. Regardless of the process you use, there are some considerations when storing dosimeters:
- When dosimeters are not in use, it's important to store them away from radiation sources. Dosimeters collect data continuously, even when not worn, so the storage area should be free from radioactive exposure. This ensures that doses are not mistakenly assigned to users.
- Do not expose the dosimeter to excessive heat. The dosimeter will no longer collect dose data and will generate a high temperature alert if the temperature exceeds 104 degrees F. The dosimeter will continue to collect dose once the dosimeter is no longer above 104 degrees F. Any past data will continue to be stored in the dosimeter.
- Dosimeters will record doses from X-ray equipment used at security checkpoints such as airport baggage scans and package shipping facilities. Before shipping or traveling with dosimeters, they should be unassigned from users to end the dose record. Otherwise, a dose modification request maybe required to adjust for the doses received while the device was traveling.
Dosimeter Device Management Examples
Retain Program
Under a retain program, dosimeters would be turned into a common location at the end of each day before leaving the work site. This allows the program administrator to easily maintain the dosimeter inventory and can reduce the chance that dosimeters are lost - or washed with the laundry!
The storage area can be accessible by the wearers so that they can grab their dosimeter before starting work and turn the device in later without needing additional support to access their device.
RDC recommends a retain style program whenever possible to ease inventory management and security of the devices.
Unretained Program
An unretained program allows wearers to maintain possession of the dosimeter without turning it into a common location. This allows the wearers more freedom and is more suitable for circumstances where there is no common area that can be used day to day to store the dosimeters. This is also suitable for wearers that operate more autonomously from their program administrator, and the level of control provided by a retained program is not desirable or necessary.
Dosimeters should NOT be stored on lead aprons or lab coats.
Dosimeters should not be stored on lab coats or lead aprons unless the item is designated to a specific wearer and is stored in a personal locker, office, or some other location where there is no chance of someone else using the item.
An example: If someone (Joe) stores his dosimeter on his apron and then someone else (Sally) uses the apron, the dosimeter will indicate that Joe’s exposure was higher than actual, and Sally would have been exposed to radiation that is not being recorded on her behalf.