Report a Safety Concern
Search

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home About NRC Radiation Protection How the NRC Protects You Health Physics Positions Based on 10 CFR Part 20

Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 135

Question 135: 10 CFR 20.1206 permits a planned special exposure (PSE) only if the alternatives that might avoid the higher exposure are unavailable or impractical. Under certain conditions, the collective dose for a task could be reduced if it could be performed by one worker receiving a PSE, rather than by a series of several workers each receiving a dose less than the limit. Under these conditions would the NRC consider the alternative of using the series of workers to be unavailable or impractical?

Answer: No. Reductions in collective dose should be accomplished while keeping workers within the dose limits. Planned special exposures cannot be justified solely on the basis that they will reduce collective dose; however, reduction in collective dose may be part of the justification.

(Reference: 10 CFR 20.1206)

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, November 01, 2017