According to NRC regulations (10 CFR 20), the maximum permissible dose for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation is 5 rem (50 mSv) per year for adult workers. This limit applies to the total effective dose equivalent, which includes both internal and external radiation exposures.
In the event of a radiation spill, the first action should be to prevent access to the area and contain the spill. This minimizes the risk of radiation exposure to other individuals. Once the area is secured, appropriate cleanup procedures can be initiated, and regulatory authorities may need to be informed depending on the severity of the incident.
If an employee receives radiation exposure that exceeds NRC regulatory limits, the organization must report the incident to the NRC within 24 hours (10 CFR 20.2202). This allows the NRC to investigate the cause of the overexposure and determine what corrective actions may be necessary to prevent future incidents.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the main federal agency that regulates the use of radioactive materials in the U.S. This includes the licensing, inspection, and enforcement of regulations regarding the use, handling, and disposal of radioactive materials in medical, industrial, and academic settings. The EPA and OSHA have related roles, but the NRC specifically handles radioactive material.
NRC regulations mandate that personnel dosimetry (the measurement of radiation exposure to workers) and exposure records must be maintained as part of a Radiation Protection Program. These records ensure that workers' radiation doses remain within regulatory limits and provide documentation for regulatory agencies during inspections or audits.
