An electronic personal dosimeter uses a small semiconductor detector to display accumulated dose and current dose rate, logging both against the worker's RWP at entry and exit. Alarm setpoints for dose and rate, chosen from the job's dose estimate, warn the worker to leave or call RP. Many plants also use telemetry, sending readings to an RP technician who watches the whole crew remotely.
EPD's chirping at 80 millirem an hour, back out to the low-dose waiting area and call RP.
A dose rate alarm means leave and call RP, not tap the dosimeter and carry on; ignoring one is a fast route off the job.
Also heard as
- electronic personal dosimeter
- ED
- electronic dosimeter
Related terms
Dosimeter
A device worn by a person to measure the radiation dose they receive.
RWP
Radiation work permit: the document that sets radiological conditions, controls and dose limits for a specific job.
TLD
Thermoluminescent dosimeter: a passive badge whose crystals store radiation energy and release it as light when heated.
High radiation area
A posted area where a person could receive more than 1 mSv (100 mrem) in an hour at 30 cm from a source.