Abstract
Maximum permissible values for surface contamination in installations using radioactive materials are proposed. The values for alpha and BETA activity, respectively, are 10/sup -3/ to 10/sup -4/ and 10/sup -3/ mu c/cm/sup 2/ for controlled areas; 10/sup -4/ to 10/ sup -5/ and 10/sup -4/ mu c/cm/sup 2/ for low-activity or inactive areas; and 10/sup -5/ and 10/sup -4/ mu c/cm/sup 2/ for skin. As well as specifying the permissible surface concentration of radioactivity, it is also necessary to consider the area over which measurements may be averaged. In practice, the area chosen is usually that of the measuring instrument and will be of the order of 100 cm/sup 2/. Where large areas, such as floors, have to be monitored, there are considerable advantages in using an instrument with a larger measuring area, but the area cannot be extended indefinitely or the local radiation levels from highly localized patches of contamination may become unacceptably high. Surface contamination monitoring can provide a general indication of the degree of control that is being maintained over operations with radioactive materials. If contamination levels are below those recommended above, it is unlikely that the contamination will be of any danger to health. (P.C.H.)
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