The possible role of the IAEA/WHO SSDL network in implementing the dose equivalent operational quantities into radiation protection practices for individual monitoring

Many of the more than 50 Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratories (SSDLs) comprising the IAEA/WHO Network provide support to individual monitoring services in their sphere of influence and, upon request, the Agency's Dosimetry Laboratory supports traceability of corresponding radiation measurements. It will be shown with examples that the SSDLs have the equipment and knowledge to secure conformity of radiation measurement based upon the quantity air kerma. It might be possible to link the calibration of individual monitors in dose equivalent operational quantities directly to their calibration in air kerma by well established energy dependent conversion factors. In such a case SSDLs are prepared to support the implementation of the new operational quantities into radiation protection practice of individual monitoring. An IAEA Co-ordinated Research Programme (CRP) has been established to carry out an international intercomparison of individual dosemeters. The results of the CRP should assist individual monitoring services and calibration services to implement radiation protection quantities recommended by ICRU 39. (author)