Individual dosimetry for external radiation: evolution of practices and techniques

Professional practices involving ionizing radiation are evolving and require an adequate individual monitoring of workers. Dosimetric techniques are also in constant development with, for example, new electronic personal dosimeters, particularly for neutrons, and a larger choice of available techniques (TLD, O.S.L., R.P.L.) for passive dosimeters. The dosimetric workplace study is now mandatory. Among its objectives, it is aimed at to choosing passive and electronic techniques from the determination of the characteristics of the encountered radiation fields. The passive dosimeters distributed by the approved dosimetric services are satisfactory overall. Moreover, many different models, covering almost all needs, of electronic personal dosimeters are commercialized. To ensure the correct implementation of passive dosimetric techniques by the approved dosimetric services, it is important to organize intercomparisons. National and international intercomparisons are carried out regularly in order to account for new developments, evolution of practices and situations. (authors)