Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 205

Question 205:

(a) 10 CFR 20.1301 (a) (2) requires that the dose in any unrestricted area from external sources does not exceed 2 millirem "in any one hour." Since this is not an instantaneous limit, can the licensee operate at levels much higher than 2 millirem per hour for a very short period of time (e.g., 90 millirem /hr for 1 minute, then no dose for the rest of the hour)?

(b) If so, how is the 2 mrem in any one hour inspectable?

Answer:

General response: This requirement in 10 CFR 20.1301 (a) (2) is not new. It is essentially the same as the requirement in 10 CFR 20.105 (b) (1). Specific response:

(a) Yes.

(b) The licensee must be able to demonstrate compliance with the dose limits of 10 CFR 20.1301 and the survey requirements of 10 CFR 20.1501. If an inspector identifies areas where the radiation levels may be in excess of 2 mrem in any one hour and the licensee is unable to demonstrate compliance with the dose limits for an unrestricted area and with the survey requirements, the licensee may be cited.

(Reference: 10 CFR 20.1301, 10 CFR 20.1501)