Radiation Safety Practice Exam

When is external dosimetry required?

1. When the exposure is expected to be less than 10 percent of the annual limit

2. When individuals could receive over 10 percent of their annual dose limit

3. Only for individuals under 18

4. When working with low-level radioactive materials

The correct answer is: When individuals could receive over 10 percent of their annual dose limit

External dosimetry is a measurement method that tracks an individual's exposure to ionizing radiation. It becomes particularly important when individuals are potentially exposed to significant levels of radiation that could accumulate over time. The requirement for external dosimetry is aligned with the regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting workers from radiation exposure. When individuals could receive more than 10 percent of their annual dose limit, it imposes an obligation to monitor and ensure their safety through dosimetry. This monitoring helps ensure that any dose received can be accurately tracked so that necessary protective measures can be implemented to mitigate further exposure and adhere to safety regulations. In settings where radiation exposure is a possibility, it's vital to assess and monitor the doses received by all personnel working in those environments. Hence, the necessity of implementing external dosimetry crucially comes into play when there's a realistic expectation that exposure could exceed 10 percent of the defined annual dose limits.