8. Criticality dosimetry instrumentation
Traditionally, workers exposed to this potential risk wear a criticality dosimeter consisting of activatable targets (ebonite, gold with or without cadmium shielding), added to a conventional gamma measurement. They can also wear a criticality belt comprising several ebonite pellets distributed around the individual, whose sulfur activation measurement can be used to determine the worker's orientation during an accident.
Today, many electronic dosimeters feature a passive diode, enabling neutron dose to be assessed at high doses and dose rates, as in the case of a criticality accident. Dosimeters intended for military use generally include this feature.
In the absence of a dosimeter, a measurement of blood sodium or hair sulfur activation can also be carried out.
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Criticality dosimetry instrumentation
Conclusion
Bibliography
References
- (1) - van DIJK (J.W.E.), BORDY (J.M.), VANHAVERE (F.), WERNLI (C.), ZAMANI-VALASIADOU (M.) - A review of the properties of the dosimetric systems and the quality assurance programmes of 48 dosimetric services in the European Union and Switzerland. - Radiation-Protection-Dosimetry, vol. 96, n° 1, p. 151-157 (2001)....
Standardization
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) website can be consulted:
Standards dealing with references or methods
- Reference X-rays and gamma rays for calibrating dosimeters and flowmeters, and for determining their response as a function of photon energy. – Part 1: Radiation characteristics...
Regulations
ICRU documents relating to the measurement of external radiation doses :
ICRU 39 (1985) Determination of Dose Equivalents Resulting from External Radiation Sources ;
ICRU 43 (1988) Determination of Dose Equivalents from External Radiation Sources – Part 2 ;
ICRU 47 (1992) Measurement of Dose Equivalents from...
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