Technical and Administrative Anomalies in a Large TL Dosimetry Service

Abstract

Abstract Thermoluminescence dosimetry is widely used for occupational monitoring of radiation workers and it has significant advantages when compared with more traditional methods such as film. However, there are also disadvantages caused by technical anomalies which appear in dosemeter signals. The Canadian Department of National Health and Welfare has provided personnel monitoring services for radiation workers since 1950, and in the period 1976 to 1981 converted all its monitoring, with the exception of neutron dosimetry, from film to TLD. The treatment of anomalous TLD data is described in this paper. While emphasis is placed on technically anomalous results including contamination, faulty holder, damage, thermal neutrons, ultraviolet exposures and other questionable results, the handling of administrative anomalies such as exposed control monitors, late dosemeters, non-personal exposures and return of dosemeters previously declared lost is also addressed. The statistical occurrence of such anomalies for the period 1981 to 1985 inclusive is shown.