Investigation of personnel beta and gamma dosimetry results at Amok Ltd, Cluff Lake

Apparent skin doses significantly higher than expected have been indicated by some thermoluminescent dosimeters worn by employees at Amok Ltd., Cluff Lake. Calculations have indicated that skin doses as a result of exposure to uranium ore are likely to be no more than twice the whole body doses. Experiments were conducted to expose TL dosimeters to a variety of radioactive materials commonly found in the mill environment under different conditions. The results of these experiments togethr with a re-examination of the original dosimeters leads to the conclusion that contamination either on or inside the dosimeter badge was the cause of the abnormal apparent skin doses. It is therefore recommended that for individuals with apparent skin doses in excess of twice the body dose, the actual skin dose should be considered to be equal to twice the body dose for purposes of determining compliance with the AEC Regulations. It is further recommended that the National Dose Registry records of anomalous skin doses to Amok employees be amended to reflect this. (author)