Department of Energy (DOE) Radiological Control Manual

Chapter 2 - Radiological Standards

Appendix A - Guidelines for Control of Emergency Exposures

In extremely rare cases, emergency exposure to radiation may be necessary to rescue personnel or to protect major property. Emergency exposures may be authorized in accordance with the provisions contained in 10 CFR 835. These doses are in addition to and accounted for separately from the doses received under the limits in Table 2-1. The dose limits for personnel performing these operations are listed below.

    DOSE LIMIT        ACTIVITY PERFORMED            CONDITIONS
    (Total
    Effective
    Dose
    Equivalent)

      5 rems                 All

     10 rems          Protecting major property     Only on a voluntary
                                                    basis where lower dose
                                                    limit not practicable

     25 rems          Lifesaving or protection      Only on a voluntary
                      of large populations          basis where lower dose
                                                    limit not practicable

    >25 rems          Lifesaving or protection      Only on a voluntary
                      of large populations          basis to personnel fully
                                                    aware of the risks
                                                    involved

Notes:

1. The lens of the eye dose limit should be three times the listed values.

2. The shallow dose limit to the skin of the whole body and the extremities is ten times the listed values.