DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY SUPPLY BULLETIN

*SB 11-206

PERSONNEL DOSIMETRY SUPPLY AND

SERVICE FOR TECHNICAL IONIZING

RADIATION EXPOSURE CONTROL

Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, DC

31 May 1983

General. This bulletin outlines the requisitioning,

dosimetry are the different techniques used in measuring

short-time, high-level exposure (tactical) and cumulative

processing, and disposal procedures for the primary

low-level exposure (nontactical or technical).

dosimetric device used in the detection of technical

e. Processing. The chemical development and

(nontactical) dosages from ionizing radiation sources,

evaluation of the images formed on photographic films

including x-rays. The current primary dosimeter is the

by ionizing radiation.

film badge issued by the US Army Ionizing Radiation

f. Wearing Period. The length of time during

Dosimetry Center (AIRDC). However, the AIRDC may

which a dosimeter is worn by the individual being

issue thermoluminescent dosimeters or other devices as

monitored. Initially, the dosimetry service is furnished for

the primary dosimeter for use in certain monitoring

a work-week period.

This may be modified for

situations. This bulletin also describes the operation of

monitoring on a monthly basis. The initial wearing

the Central Dosimetry Records Repository maintained

period may be one month where the dosimeters are to

by the AIRDC. Procedures and responsibilities for the

be used on standby basis such as for atomic incident or

control and recording of exposures to ionizing radiation

CBR teams.

are outlined in AR 40-14.

g. Control Dosimeters.

Dosimeters used to

Applicability. This bulletin applies to all persons

compute correlation factors for incidental exposure or

deterioration which may occur in transit or storage.

who utilize the dosimetry service provided by the AIRDC.

h. Code Designator.

A coding system which

Definitions. The following definitions apply to this

identifies each separate dosimeter with a specific period

of time, the using installation, and the wearing individual.

bulletin. Note: The explanation of terms in AR 40-14 is

The exchange of dosimeters and correspondence in

also applicable to the bulletin.

a. Photodosimetry.

Measurement of radiation

reference thereto between the using installation and

AIRDC will employ the code designator appearing on the

dosage received from beta, gamma, and X-ray emitting

dosimeter.

sources including radioactive materials, X-ray machines,

i. Dosage. Quantity of radiation exposure, as

nuclear reaction equipment, and nuclear bombardment

applied to an individual, expressed in rem or millirem.

devices by means of exposure of photographic films.

b. Film Badge. A film packet in a holder. The

Maximum permissible exposures are prescribed by The

Surgeon General.

holder normally includes a means of attaching to the

j. Monthly Wearing Period. The length of time

wearer's clothing.

c. Film Packet. One or more pieces of radiation

from the 1st, 2d, 3d, or 4th Sunday of one month to the

1st, 2d, 3d, or 4th Sunday respectively of the following

detection film, similar to dental X-ray film, in a light-proof

month. Once each calendar quarter, this wearing period

envelope issued and standarded by AIRDC.

d. Technical Radiation Exposure.

Recurrent

will be 5 weeks long.

k. Using Installation. The installation or agency

radiation exposure to medical, dental, and industrial X-

which uses the army dosimetry service to measure the

ray machines; radioactive materials; nuclear reaction

technical radiation exposure of all or a portion of its

equipment; and nuclear bombardment devices. In some

personnel.

applications, the term nontactical is used to distinguish

between technical and tactical radiation exposure. The

major distinctions between tactical and nontactical

*This bulletin supersedes SB 11-206, 18 April 1969.