ANSI HPS N13.52-1999 pdf download Personnel Neutron Dosimeters (Neutron Energies Less Than 20 MeV)
1 Introduction
Neutrons pose unique challenges for the operational health physicist interested in establishing and sustaining an appropriate personnel monitoring program. The broad range of neutron energies that are encountered in the work place, the scattering characteristics of neutrons, and the complicating factor of monitoring in mixed neutron-photon fields all pose significant technical challenges. This standard is intended to provide the guidance that will help managers of radiation protection programs to resolve some of these problems. However, it should be stressed that in the use of this standard, the personnel dosimeter is only part of the neutron radiation program. It may be necessary to combine the data obtained from the dosimeter with information from other neutron monitoring techniques to make proper assessments of the appropriate radiation protection quantity.
2 Purpose
This standard defines the requirements for selection of a personal neutron dosimetry system, specifies the requirements for using the dosimeter in the neutron environment, and specifies requirements for the calibration of the dosimeters. The standard is designed to complement the ANSI/HPS N13.11 American National Standard for Dosimetry, Personnel Dosimetry Performance – Criteria for Testing. [HPSSC/ANSI N13.11 1993]
3 Scope
This standard is designed to provide guidance for routine personal neutron dosimetry. It is applicable for neutrons with energies ranging from thermal to values less than 20 MeV. This standard applies to devices worn by individuals, as contrasted with handheld or fixed-area instrumentation. It does not apply to dosimetry necessary for extremity monitoring or for criticality accidents. This standard also includes factors governing the use of dosimeters for proper determination of the personal neutron dose equivalent.
4 Definitions
4.1 Special Word Usage The word “shall” is used to denote a requirement, the word “should” to denote a recommendation, and the word “may” to denote permission, neither a requirement nor a recommendation. To conform with this standard, all operations shall be performed in accordance with its requirements, but not necessarily with its recommendations.
4.2 Specific
Terms Absorbed dose (or Dose) The energy absorbed per unit mass at a specific place in a material.