On the CoverA calibration technician in the Radiological Calibration and Standards Laboratory performing a bench-top calibration of an alpha-sensitive continuous air monitor. The laboratory calibrates over 15,000 radiation detection instruments a year.Torso calibration phantoms are used at the In Vivo Radioassay and Research Facility to calibrate lung counting systems.The shielded enclosure around the k-fluorescence x-ray machine provides a "clean" spectrum for performing nearly mono-energetic photon energy response testing of instruments and dosimeters. The researcher is setting up a horizontal angular dependence evaluation of finger ringer dosimeters.This document is intended to serve as a reference guide for PNNL staff and clients who desire technical information about the broad capabilities of the Radiation and Health Technology Laboratories. The document has been expanded and revised several times to add additional information as requested by its users. We welcome comments and suggestions for future revisions. SummaryThe Radiological Standards and Calibration Laboratory (RS&CL) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) provides a broad mix of calibration and testing services within a single organization. Its staff of over 50 individuals includes several nationally recognized leaders in the fields of dosimetry, performance testing, and radiological calibrations. The laboratory provides a unique mix of radiological and environmental testing and characterization facilities that give clients access to a broader variety of test capabilities than is typically available within a single laboratory. The organization performs instrument, radiological source, and dosimetry calibrations; maintains the reference standards necessary to trace the Hanford Site programs and other research-and quality-related programs to national standards; performs environmental effects testing on equipment and materials; performs non-destructive assay for special nuclear material; and performs in vivo assay of radioactive materials. This document describes the facilities and procedures used to accomplish this mission.The specialized facilities developed to support calibrations, dosimetry, in vivo bioassay, and instrument performance evaluations include the following:
and their Hanford Site contractors. The manual describes the roles of and relationships between the HIDP and the radiation protection programs of the Hanford Site contractors. Recommendations and guidance are also provided for consideration in implementing bioassay monitoring and internal dosimetry elements of radiation protection programs. A systematic review of the entire manual with appropriate updates to chapters and appendices occurs at three-year intervals. Minor revisions to individual subsections of this manual are made as the need arises.
Abbreviations and Acronyms ACES Access Control Entry System ACLS Administrative Control Limits AIC air-equivalent ionization chamber AMAD activity median aerodynamic diameter ANSI American National Standards Institute BEGe broad energy germanium BHI Bechtel Hanford Incorporated BOA basic ordering agreement CAM continuous air monitor CAR computer-assisted retrieval (system) CC coaxial (high-purity germanium) counter CD compact disc CEDE committed effective dose equivalent CFR Code of Federal Regulations CHG CH2M Hill Hanford Group, Inc. CR&A Calibration Research and Accreditation (subgroup) CWT chest-wall thickness CY calendar year viii
During calendar year (CY) 1999, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) performed its customary radiological protection support services in support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Richland Operations Office (RL) and the Hanford contractors. These services included: 1) external dosimetry, 2) internal dosimetry, 3) in vivo measurements, 4) radiological records, 5) instrument calibration and evaluation, and 6) calibration of radiation sources traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The services were provided under a number of programs as summarized here.Along with providing site-wide nuclear accident and environmental dosimetry capabilities, the Hanford External Dosimetry Program (HEDP) supports Hanford radiation protection programs by providing external radiation monitoring capabilities for all Hanford workers and visitors to help ensure their health and safety. Processing volumes decreased in CY 1999 relative to prior years for all types of dosimeters, with an overall decrease of 19%. During 1999, the HEDP passed the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) performance testing criteria in 15 different categories. HEDP computers and processors were tested and upgraded to become Year 2000 (Y2K) compliant. Several changes and improvements were made to enhance the interpretation of dosimeter results.The Hanford Internal Dosimetry Program (HIDP) provides for the assessment and documentation of occupational dose from intakes of radionuclides at the Hanford Site. Performance problems carried over from CY 1998 continued to plague the in vitro bioassay contractor. A new contract was awarded for the in vitro bioassay program. A new computer system was put into routine operation by the in vivo bioassay program. Several changes to HIDP protocols were made that were related to bioassay grace periods, using field data to characterize the amount of alpha activity present and using a new default particle size. The number of incidents and high routine investigations that required follow-up were lower compared with 1998. Also, the number of excreta analyses performed decreased by 9% compared with CY 1998.The In Vivo Monitoring Program for Hanford (formerly the Hanford Whole Body Counting Project) provides the in vivo counting services for Hanford Site radiation workers. New computer hardware and software were put into routine operation to acquire, analyze, and store the measurement data. The technical procedures were revamped to reflect operational changes implemented with the new computer system. The U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) accreditation was extended to include two additional categories. New detectors were purchased for wound counting applications. The 8,085 in vivo measurements performed in 1999 represent a 2% decrease from 1998. Several high-purity germanium detectors were repaired at the In Vivo Radioassay and Research Facility, thereby saving out-of-service time and money compared with returning the detectors to the v...
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