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Biological
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Chemical
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EHOS |
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Fire
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Radiation
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Risks of Radiation
There are certain risks that are associated with relatively large exposures to ionizing radiation. The potential effects of radiation are dependent on the amount of radiation dose received. The potential risks are:
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An increase in the probability of getting cancer. |
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An increase in the probability of birth defects due to exposure during pregnancy. |
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A theoretical increase in genetic effects occurring in later generations. This is theoretical because these effects have not been shown in human beings exposed to radiation, only laboratory animals. Even those individuals exposed to the atomic weapon explosions in Japan have shown no evidence of genetic defects. |
There have been no observable effects from exposure to the levels of radiation associated with workers subject to the MCG occupational exposure limits.
Frequently Asked Questions Q) Will I get cancer from working around radioactive materials here at MCG? A) Very unlikely. Again, there has been no evidence of any kind of adverse effects associated with the occupational exposure limits that are in effect at MCG. |
By understanding and observing MCG's Radiation Protection Policy, and keeping exposure ALARA, any increase in risk is negligible. The Radiation Safety Office is tasked with the responsibility of keeping all MCG worker exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Exposure Limits & Guidelines
MCG is subject to strict exposure limits, as mandated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The annual State exposure limit for the whole body is 5000 mrem per year.
Because MCG Radiation Safety follows the ALARA philosophy, we have established administrative guidelines to keep MCG workers exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable. The guidelines listed below are per month:
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MCG ALARA Level #1 | 100 mrem/month |
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MCG ALARA Level #2 | 400 mrem/month |
Frequently Asked Questions Q) How much radiation exposure does the average MCG Public Safety personnel receive in a year? A) Last year no Public Safety personnel had any measurable radiation exposure!! The average dose for MCG workers last year was less than three mrem. This is a pretty small number compared to the 360 mrem that we all receive as background radiation, just by living in Augusta!! |
You will be notified by the Radiation Safety Office if you exceed the ALARA #1 or #2 Administrative guidelines
| "Pop Up" Quiz Click on an answer to test your knowledge. Which of the following receive the most radiation exposure to their film badges here at MCG? |
Dose Monitoring
The only way to accurately monitor the amount of radiation a worker may be exposed to is to ensure that proper dosimetry is worn. If you have the potential to exceed ten percent of the allowable limit, you will be issued a film badge to monitor your exposure.
| Even if you do not routinely work with radioactive materials, you may be issued a badge. Please consult your supervisor or the Radiation Safety Office to determine if you are required to be issued a film badge. |  |
The Radiation Safety Office has a variety of exposure monitoring devices that can be issued to Public Safety personnel if they are needed to assist in a radiological emergency of some sort.
Below are a few notes to remember about film badges:
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The badges are sensitive to light, heat, water, and strong chemicals. Do not leave the badge on your patrol car dashboard or other places of extreme heat. |
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Wear your film badge when entering an area containing radioactive material. |
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Wear the badge on the front of your body, between the neck and waist. |
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Turn badge in on time, film images will fade over time. Badges are normally issued on a monthly basis. |
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The badge is to be worn at work only. Do not take the badge home with you. |
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The badge is meant to measure occupational exposures only. Do not wear the badge if you are undergoing any kind of clinical procedure involving radiation as a patient. |
For more information, contact your film badge coordinator or Patty Magner in the Radiation Safety Office, at 1-9826. You will be notified if any ALARA limits are exceeded.
Your film badge coordinator is issued a monthly exposure report for Public Safety personnel who have been issued badges. Other (and all) radiation exposure records are available upon request. All radiation exposure records will be kept for the duration of MCG's radioactive materials license.
Frequently Asked Questions Q) What should I do if I lose my badge or wash/dry it in the laundry? A) Please tell your film badge coordinator and the Radiation Safety Office will issue you a replacement badge. |
Pregnancy Declaration Policy
Special radiation safety counseling and monitoring is available to all employees who become pregnant. If you would like to receive counseling and monitoring, talk to your supervisor or contact the Radiation Safety Office. This policy is entirely voluntary and may be initiated at any time during the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Declaration Forms are available from the Radiation Safety Office. Pregnant workers may complete a Pregnancy Declaration Form and give it to their supervisor. A meeting will be arranged with the Radiation Safety Officer or his designee. This will allow a worker to ask any questions they may have and receive more detailed information regarding radiation protection.
The Radiation Safety Officer may arrange for special radiation monitoring for the pregnant worker during the remainder of their pregnancy. He, or his designee, will review your previous exposure records, if there are any. He may recommend changes in work procedures that could include reassignment to a different position.
Frequently Asked Questions Q) Do I have to tell the Radiation Safety Office if I am, or think I am, pregnant? A) No, the pregnancy declaration policy is entirely voluntarily. |
Location of Documents
All official documents are kept in the Radiation Safety Office, which is in the AH Building. All applicable regulations, the MCG’s radioactive materials license, any specific license conditions, and notices of violations can be reviewed at any time.