Occupational Radiation Dose Limits

Facts:

• International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) issues periodic recommendations on radiation protection. The Commission was founded in 1928.
• ICRP's latest publication was Publication 103 (2007)
• ICRP effective dose limit for radiation worker (occupational dose limit) = 20 mSv per year when averaged over 5 years; any year limit to 50 mSv
• The most highly exposed workers are unlikely to receive regular annual effective doses more than 5 mSv
• Radiation workers should be monitored using personal dosimeter (film badges, TLDs)
• In emergency situations, occupational exposure can exceed these dose limits if lifesaving actions are involved. Older workers with low lifetime accumulated effective doses should volunteer for emergencies.