Occupational Beta radiation exposure during radiosynoviorthesis

Measurements, in particular of the personal dose Hp(=,07), were carried out at workplaces in the Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO). Practices in these field are characterised by handling of high activities, very small distances between source and skin, high risk of contamination and unsatisfactory area and personal dose measuring technique. Highly sensitive thermoluminescence detectors /TLD, LiF:Mg, Cu, P.) were used to determine the beta exposure especially of the skin of the hands. Contamination measurements indicated that additional exposure of the skin was to be expected. In the RSO in some cases exposures of the hands due to direct radiation of more than 100 mSv per working day were estimated. Skin doses caused by contamination were in the same order of magnitude. Radiation exposure could be reduced drastically by simple radiation protection measures, e. g. use of manipulators and syringe protectors. The introduction of authorised beta martial body dosimeters (finger ring dosimeters) is proposed. (Author)