AFI-48-125(AF-dosime..

AFI48-125 1 MARCH 1999 11
3.2.11. Occupations Normally Not Requiring Monitoring: Monitoring is normally not required for
individuals working exclusively with the following types of ionizing radiation sources.
3.2.11.1. Dental X-Ray: Experience has shown doses to personnel working with or around x-ray
machines (i.e., panorex and intraoral) to be below 10 mrem per quarter. This is primarily due to
the well collimated x-ray beams, positioning of the tubehead close to the patient which minimizes
scatter, and adherence to good safety procedures (i.e., utilizing the principles of time, distance and
shielding). Dosimetry should only be provided in the event of extenuating circumstances such as
mass casualty identification duty or for purposes described in paragraphs 3.2.10.
3.2.11.2. Baggage X-Ray: Experience has shown dose to personnel working with or around baggage
x-ray units to be essentially negligible provided unit shielding and safety interlocks are functional.
Dosimetry should only be provided for purposes described in paragraph 3.2.10.
3.2.11.3. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Office of Special Investigation (OSI) Pulsed
X-Ray Units: Experience has shown doses to personnel working with or around pulsed x-ray units
(non-fluoroscopic) used by EOD and OSI personnel to be negligible provided good safety procedures
are followed (i.e., adherence to time, distance and shielding principles). Use of the EOD
Mk-32 X-ray system does not require personnel dosimetry. Dosimetry should only be provided
for purposes described in paragraph 3.2.10. NOTE: EOD and OSI occasionally will use a fluoroscopic
type x-ray system. If this is the case, dosimetry may be necessary to assess exposure
conditions as discussed in paragraph 3.2.
3.3. Monitoring Period:
3.3.1. General. Personnel monitoring service is provided on a scheduled basis as determined by an
evaluation conducted by the installation RSO taking into consideration factors such as prior exposure
history of the unit for individuals performing similar duties, prior exposure history of the individual
beginning work as an occupational radiation worker, the potential for accumulating radiation doses at
a high or irregular rate, training of individuals, and other factors.
3.3.2. Normal Exchange Frequency:
3.3.2.1. Past experience indicates that most occupational radiation exposure circumstances
encountered within the US Air Force can be adequately monitored by use of dosimeters
exchanged on a quarterly basis. Use of quarterly monitoring periods (i.e., 3-month) generally
provides greater accuracy for low dose rate environments.
3.3.2.2. Monitoring at shorter frequencies (e.g. monthly) is generally appropriate only under special
circumstances, as detailed below.
3.3.2.2.1. Occupational radiation workers who are pregnant will be monitored on a monthly
basis (see Chapter 5).
3.3.2.2.2. Certain operations having an exceptionally high radiation exposure potential (i.e.,
greater than 1.25 rem per quarter) may necessitate a monthly exchange frequency.
3.4. Determining Prior Occupational Dose:
3.4.1. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), in 10 CFR 20.2104, requires that individuals
being enrolled in personnel monitoring programs provide information regarding their past history of
occupational radiation exposure.