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Radiological control involves the protection of mankind and his environment from the harmful effects of exposure to radiation or radioactive materials. The tasks that make up the responsibilities of the RCT include those actions used to minimize the potential exposure of workers and include efforts at reduction of both internal and external exposures. This lesson is designed to familiarize the technician with those actions necessary to minimize the entry of radioactive materials into the body and the basis for those actions.

The external exposure reduction and control measures available are of primary importance to the everyday tasks performed by the RCT. In this lesson, we will address the DOE and Facility Administrative Exposure limits and the basic methods used for reducing radiation exposure. Various techniques such as time, distance, and shielding that are used to help reduce external exposure controls will be discussed. These techniques are useful to maintain personnel exposure below administrative and federal limits.

All personnel at a facility must be committed to the ALARA philosophy. The RCT can play a major role in establishing and maintaining that commitment by understanding its concepts. This lesson will familiarize the student with the ALARA concepts and the essential components of an effective ALARA program.

The task of setting exposure limits is both a vital and yet a very difficult undertaking. It is vital because workers must be protected from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. It is difficult because of the many factors which enter into the effects which radiation produces. Even though a vast amount of data has been gathered and studied, there are still many areas where much work is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Nevertheless, in order to advance in the field of nuclear energy, people must work with radiation. Thus, certain levels must be set which will protect workers from undue exposure.

Letter from Northern Mariana Islands Governor Fitial providing Secretary Chu with the assurances needed so that Recovery Act funds can be made available. These assurances are required by Section 410 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Letter from Oregon Governor Kulongoski providing Secretary Chu with the assurances needed so that Recovery Act funds can be made available. These assurances are required by Section 410 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

3-10-09_Final_Testimony_(Bauer)_(NETL).pdf

Subject: Energy Development and Water Resources Carl Bauer, Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory