Proposal for Risk Informed Removable Contamination Limits

K.N. Lambert (Drexel University)

Limits for removable surface contamination in restricted and unrestricted areas are inconsistent in various guidance documents issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It is evident that risk was considered when establishing these limits; however, existing technology allows for better probabilistic risk assessments. Using available software designed to determine acceptable clearance levels for decontamination and decommissioning activities, the dose consequences of currently allowed removable contamination levels for isotopes commonly used in biomedical research are calculated. It is suggested that doses calculated in this manner form the basis for permissible removable surface contamination levels.

Return to Session list.