Rule 111-8-90-.03. Standards for Protection against Radiation

(1) General Provisions. (a) If it is more convenient to measure the neutron flux, or equivalent, than to determine the neutron absorbed dose in rads (grays), one rem (.01 Sv) of neutron radiation may, for purposes of these regulations, be assumed to be equivalent to 14 million neutrons per square centimeter incident upon the body; or, if there exists sufficient information to estimate with reasonable accuracy the approximate distribution in energy of the neutrons, the incident number of neutrons per square centimeter equivalent to one rem may be estimated from the following table: Neutron Flux Dose Equivalents Neutron energy (MeV) Number of neutrons per square centimeter for a dose equivalent of 1rem(neutrons/c m2) Average flux density to deliver 100 millirems (1 millisievert) in 40 hours (neutrons/cm2 per second) Thermal 9.7x10⁶ 670 0.00001 7.2x10⁶ 500 0.005 8.2x10⁶ 570 0.02 4.0x10⁶ 280 0.1 1.2x10⁶ 80 0.5 4.3x10⁵ 30 1.0 2.6x10⁵ 18 2.5 2.9x10⁵ 20 5.0 2.6x10⁵ 18 7.5 2.4x10⁵ 17 10.0 2.4x10⁵ 17 10 to 30 1.4x10⁵ 10 (b) For determining the doses specified in this section, a dose from x or gamma radiation up to 10 MeV may be assumed to be equivalent to the exposure measured by a properly calibrated appropriate instrument in air, at or near the body surface in the region of highest exposure rate. (c) Dose to the whole body shall include any dose to the entire body or any major portion thereof, gonads, active blood-forming organs, head and trunk, or lens of the eye.

(2) Permissible Doses. (a) Occupational Exposure 1. Except as provided in .03(2)(a)2., no registrant shall possess, own, use, or receive, sources of radiation in such a manner as to cause an occupationally exposed individual to receive, from all sources of radiation in the possession of the registrant, a dose in excess of the limits in the following table:    Rems (Sv) Per Calendar Quarter Whole body; head and trunk; active blood-forming organs; lens of eyes; or gonads.. 1 1/4 rem (12.5 mSv) Hands and forearms; feet and ankles.. 18-3/4 rem (187.5 mSv) Skin of whole body.. 7 1/2 rem (75 mSv) 2. A registrant may permit an occupationally exposed individual to receive a dose to the whole body greater than that permitted under .03(2) (a) 1. provided: (i) during any calendar quarter the dose to the whole body from sources of radiation in the possession of the registrant shall not exceed 3 rems (30 mSv); (ii) the dose to the whole body when added to the accumulated occupational dose to the whole body shall not exceed 5 (N-18) rems [50(N-18)mSv], where "N" equals the individual's age in years at his last birthday; and (iii) the registrant has determined the individual's accumulated occupational dose to the whole body on a Department form, or on a clear and legible record containing all the information required on that form. 3. Individuals under 18 years of age in x-ray training schools or employed in occupations which involve exposure to ionizing radiation shall have a personnel radiation monitoring device and shall not be permitted to receive a dose to the whole body in excess of 10% of the dose permitted in .03(2)(a)1. (b) Non-Occupational Exposure. 1. The dose limits for individuals employed in occupations which do not normally involve exposure to ionizing radiation shall be one-tenth of the occupational limits under .03(2)(a)1., excluding medical radiation for the purpose of diagnosis or therapy. 2. For the purposes of these regulations the embryo/fetus shall be considered to be a separate entity distinct from the occupationally exposed woman carrying it, and shall not be subject to occupational limits. 3. The embryo/fetus shall not be exposed to doses in excess of 50 mrem in any one month after the pregnancy is known. The total dose equivalent limit to the embryo/fetus shall not exceed 500 mrem over the period of gestation. (c) Radiation Levels in Unrestricted (Uncontrolled) Areas. 1. Except as authorized by the Department pursuant to .03(2)(c)2., no registrant shall possess, own, or use sources of radiation in such a manner as to create in any uncontrolled area from such sources of radiation in his possession radiation levels which, if an individual were continuously present in the area, could result in an individual receiving: (i) a dose in excess of two millirems in any one hour; or (ii) a dose in excess of 100 millirems in any seven consecutive days. 2. Any registrant or prospective registrant may apply to the Department for proposed limits upon levels of radiation in uncontrolled areas in excess of those specified in .03(2)(c)1., resulting from the applicant's possession or use of sources of radiation. Such applications should include information as to anticipated average radiation levels and anticipated occupancy times for each uncontrolled area involved. The Department may approve the proposed limits if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that the proposed limits would not cause an individual to receive doses to the whole body in any period of one calendar year in excess of 0.5 rem (5.0 mSv).

1. (3) Personnel Monitoring.

   1. (a) Except as provided in .03(3)(c), each registrant shall supply appropriate personnel radiation monitoring devices and shall require the use of such equipment by:

      1. 1. Each individual who enters a controlled area under such circumstances that the individual receives, or is likely to receive, a radiation dose in any calendar quarter in excess of 25 percent of the applicable values specified in .03(2)(a)1. for occupational exposure;
      2. 2. Each individual under 18 years of age who enters a controlled area under such circumstances that the individual may receive a radiation dose in excess of 10 percent of the applicable value specified in .03(2)(a)1.
      3. 3. Each individual who enters a high radiation area.
   2. (b) All individuals required to use personnel monitoring equipment shall be instructed in its proper use and purpose.
   3. (c) Personnel monitoring will not be required for individuals undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
   4. (d) When using protective aprons, personnel monitoring shall be worn outside the apron at collar level.

2. (4) Caution Signs, Labels, and Signals.

   1. (a) Radiation Symbol

      1. 1. Except as otherwise authorized by the Department, the symbol prescribed by this section is the conventional three-bladed warning sign commonly used in the radiological professions and shall use the conventional radiation caution colors (magenta or purple on yellow background).
      2. 2. In addition to the contents of signs and labels prescribed in these regulations, a registrant may provide any additional information on or near such signs and labels to indicate the nature of the radiation source, type of radiation, limits of occupancy, and similar precautionary information which may be appropriate in aiding individuals to minimize exposure to radiation.
   2. (b) Radiation Areas. Each radiation area, except areas where diagnostic and therapeutic radiation machines are used solely in the healing arts, shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation symbol and the words: CAUTION - RADIATION AREA.
   3. (c) High Radiation Areas. Each high radiation area, except areas where diagnostic and therapeutic radiation machines are used solely in the healing arts, shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or signs bearing the radiation symbol and the words: CAUTION - HIGH RADIATION AREA.
   4. (d) Radiation Generator Warning Signals. Each radiation generator, except radiographic and fluoroscopic radiation machines used solely in the healing arts, which is capable of producing, in any area accessible to individuals, a dose rate in excess of 100 millirems per hour, shall be provided with a warning signal or light at the generator. Such a signal or light shall be so connected as to be activated automatically when the exposure switch is "on" in order to provide adequate warning against entering the area.

Authority: Ga. L. 1964, pp. 507, 569, 570; O.C.G.A. § 31-13-5.

History. Original Rule entitled "Standards for Protection against Radiation" adopted. F. Oct. 9, 2020; eff. Oct. 29, 2020.