The law requires radiation dose measurements for potentially exposed workers. Although radiation levels are low at most SLAC locations, we measure personnel radiation doses to ensure that dose levels are "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA) and keep records which are required by the Department of Energy.

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If you are issued one or more SLAC whole-body dosimeter(s), you are required to wear them while working in or visiting areas that are defined as:

• Radiologically Controlled Areas (RCAs)
• Radiation, High Radiation, and Very High Radiation Areas
• Contamination Areas

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All employee, visitors, users and subcontractors are required to take Employee Orientation to Environment, Safety, and Health (EOESH) training at SLAC. GERT certification is required for personnel who need unescorted access to Controlled Areas and/or Radiologically Controlled Areas (RCAs). Radiological Worker Training (RWT) is required for personnel identified as radiological workers.

If you do not have any ESH Training and have a need to get into an RCA, you must have an escort.  If you will be in there for more than one working day (8 hours), you must also obtain a dosimeter, using form B. 

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You can register online and take computer based or web based training. Go to the Training webpage. You will see more details about training there.

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After taking the training, go to Security Office Trailer # 205/206 with completed either SLAC Dosimeter/ID Request form A (with training) or form B (without training). The Security Office assistant will issue the dosimeter.

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On the front of your upper torso, between your neck and waist, on the outside of your clothing and any personal protective clothing. Ensure that the front of the dosimeter faces out and that nothing covers it. Dosimeter should always be worn with a fabric Break-Away Lanyard that has a quick release.

To avoid an inaccurate reading while in an RCA:

• Do not clip your dosimeter to a pants pocket or to a belt.
• Do not clip your dosimeter to a shirtsleeve.
• Do not keep your dosimeter in a purse, wallet, or vehicle.

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• Never open, deface, intentionally expose, or otherwise tamper with the dosimeter.
• Never have more than one dosimeter at any given time (except in the case of declared pregnancy - see below).
• Never mail or take dosimeters overseas.
• Never take the dosimeter through the airport (hand carried or checked luggage) or medical x-ray machines.
• Never loan the dosimeter to someone else.
• Never borrow someone else's dosimeter.
• Never take SLAC dosimeter to another facility.

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Fill out a SLAC Lost/Damaged Dosimeter form [pdf], and notify the RP Dosimetry Office (EXT 4894) as soon as possible.

Take the dosimeter to the SLAC Security office for replacement, fill out the SLAC Lost/Damaged Dosimeter form  [pdf], and notify the RP Dosimetry Office (EXT 4894) as soon as possible.

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For information on radiation exposure from medical exams and procedures, see this fact sheet from the Health Physics Society

Take the dosimeter to the SLAC Security Office for replacement, fill out a SLAC Lost/Damaged Dosimeter form [pdf], and notify the RP Dosimetry Office (EXT 4894) as soon as possible.

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If you are a pregnant worker at SLAC (or you are planning to become pregnant), you can choose not to formally declare your pregnancy in writing, and continue to work, without any work restrictions or additional dosimeters.

If you choose to declare your pregnancy (or you are planning to become pregnant) in writing, you need to fill out a Declaration of Pregnancy form [pdf] (SLAC-I-720-0A13J-001).  You continue to work and agree to wear additional dosimeters and be monitored on a timely basis for prenatal occupational radiation exposure. You accept work restrictions to keep total prenatal occupational exposure below 360 mrem.

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You need to fill out a Withdrawal of Pregnancy form [pdf] (SLAC-I-720-0A13J-002).

Upon submitting the form, you agree to lifting of all dosage and work restrictions and to the removal of all additional dosimeters.

For information on pregnancy and radiation exposure, see this fact sheet from the Health Physics Society

At the end of the monitoring period or the visit to SLAC, remove the dosimeter from the holder, and return it to your Point of Contact or to RP, MS#84. Keep the dosimeter holder (unless a visitor - if so, please return it with the dosimeter). You will receive a new dosimeter (without a holder) for each monitoring period.

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Yes. All dosimeters (and dosimeter holders) must be returned to RP, MS#84, on or before the last day of your employment at SLAC.

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Dosimeter wearers need to fill up an Authorization to Release Occupational Exposure Information form [pdf] and mail/email it to Dosimetry Group, MS# 84 or FAX to 650-926-3030 for dose report.

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Dosimeter wearers (and former dosimeter wearers) may authorize the release of radiation dose information by submitting a request in writing to the Dosimetry Group or filling the Authorization to Release Occupational Exposure Information form [pdf].

The request must contain the following:

• Name of the dosimeter wearer.
• Current telephone number or email address of the dosimeter wearer.
• The name and address of the person or group to whom the records may be reported.
• Signature of the dosimetry wearer.

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SLAC uses Luxel's optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter for radiation dose determination. Luxel dosimeters are commercially provided and processed by Landauer Inc.

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The Luxel dosimeter contains an aluminum oxide detector for photon radiation, and (only for RWT dosimeter) a carbonate based detector for neutron radiation. The dosimeter is mounted on a gray plastic holder, with a plastic strap for the wearer’s SLAC ID badge.

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• For tour groups with six or more members who will be entering a RCA, prior written permission from the Radiation Protection Field Operations (RPFO) must be obtained and Form C must be filled out.
• For tour groups with fewer than six members who will be entering a RCA, each group member must submit a Form B.

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