N.M. Code R. § 20.3.14.1405 – Protection of Workers During Operations

A. All general and specific licensees shall conduct operations:
(1) in compliance with the standards for radiation protection set forth in Subparts 4 and 10 [Parts 4 and 10], except for releases of radioactivity in effluents, which shall be regulated under 1406 [Section 1406 of 20.3.14.1406 NMAC], and disposal, which shall be regulated under 1407 [Section 1407 of 20.3.14.1407 NMAC], and;
(2) pursuant to a Worker Protection Plan prepared according to applicable Department guidelines and maintained by the licensee and made available upon request of employees or representatives of the Department. The licensee shall post official notices to employees in areas where employees will have sufficient access to and notification of the Plan.
B. The Department will prepare and issue worker protection guidelines and notices to employees no later than six (6) months from the effective date of these regulations. The Worker Protection Plan prepared by the licensee pursuant to 1405.A.2 [Paragraph (2), Subsection A., Section 1405 of 20.3.14.1405 NMAC] shall be no less stringent than the Department's worker protection guidelines.
C. Licensees shall incorporate hazard identification and training into their hazard communication programs as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or by the Board pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and as required under Subpart [Part] 10 for personnel working on or around equipment and materials that contain Regulated NORM. Regulated NORM material that has been removed from equipment and containerized shall be labeled as per the requirement of 430 and 431 [Sections 430 and 431 of 20.3.4.430 and 431 NMAC]`.
D. Licensees operating at more than one location may prepare a single Worker Protection Plan to cover all facilities and operations in New Mexico, provided that the Plan is readily accessible to all employees.
E. The total radiation dose in any one year to any General Licensee employee from Regulated NORM shall not exceed the standards for exposure to members of the public as set forth in Subpart [Part] 4. Employees engaged in an activity subject to a Specific License as required by 1411 [Section 1411 of 20.3.14.1411 NMAC], shall not exceed the limits for radiation workers as specified in Subpart [Part] 4. Any worker engaged in an activity subject to a Specific License and who is likely to receive in one year an accumulative dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv) shall be monitored.
[8-2-95; 20.3.14.1405 NMAC – Rn, 20 NMAC 3.1.14.1405, Recompiled 11/27/01]