What should be done if a personnel dosimeter is lost?

If a personnel dosimeter is lost, it is crucial to report the loss to the Radiation Safety Officer immediately and arrange for a replacement. The primary reason for this protocol is that dosimeters are essential for monitoring radiation exposure among staff. They ensure that radiation safety standards are upheld and help protect workers from excessive exposure.

By reporting to the Radiation Safety Officer right away, steps can be taken to assess any potential risk due to the absence of the dosimeter. This can include considering immediate replacement so that the employee can continue to monitor their radiation exposure in real-time. Additionally, the Radiation Safety Officer can help determine if there are any incidents that might require further investigation regarding the circumstances of the loss.

Continuing to work without a dosimeter would expose the individual to unknown levels of radiation and violate safety procedures. Notifying a supervisor at the end of the day or waiting for a routine check to report the loss could delay essential actions that need to be taken immediately for both the individual and overall workplace safety. Thus, timely communication and proactive measures are key to maintaining safety standards in environments where radiation is present.