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20 March 2010

Answer to Question #4938 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Industrial Radiation — Industrial Exposures

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Should radiographers/helpers/assistants who work with iridium-192 in an industrial environment wear more than a dosimeter or rate alarm? Should these personnel wear lead aprons, gloves, or eye-protection equipment?

The energy of the gamma rays emitted by iridium-192 is relatively high and is very penetrating, especially compared to typically lower-energy x rays. That is why x rays work well for medical imaging of human tissue, which has a low density compared to metal components that must be imaged with the higher-energy gamma rays of iridium-192 or cobalt-60.

Considering the penetrating power of the iridium-192 gamma rays some—but not much—additional protection is provided by lead aprons, gloves, or eye-protection equipment to an "industrial radiographer" as contrasted to a medical x-ray technician who is well protected from low-energy x rays by lead aprons, gloves, and eye-protection equipment.

The requirements for personnel protection, dosimetry, survey meters, etc., for industrial radiographers can vary from state to state, so be very familiar with your state's regulations and be fully authorized by your state for any work as an industrial radiographer.

As a closing note, the most overexposures for industrial radiographers occur because the radiographer did not use or improperly used his/her handheld survey meter. So, keep your survey meter ON and calibrated, set it so it is making "clicks," listen to it, watch the readings carefully, and trust it. This should help best of all to keep your exposure as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA) as an industrial radiographer.

John P. Hageman, MS, CHP

Answer posted on 3 November 2005. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.