The average annual radiation dose for lead inspector using XRF?

The average annual radiation dose for lead inspector using XRF?

• A. 120 (MREM/YR)
• B. 20 (MREM/YR)
• C. 70 (MREM/YR)
• D. 10 (MREM/YR)

Answer: (B)

When using an XRF device, the key factor is the amount of radiation the inspector’s body receives over a year, which stays low by design: exposure is minimized by limiting time near the source, keeping a safe distance, and using shielding and dosimetry. With proper safety practices, the average annual whole-body dose for a lead inspector performing XRF-based surveys is about 20 mrem per year. This figure reflects typical field workloads while staying well within regulatory and ALARA expectations. The other numbers would imply higher or unrealistically low exposure. A value like 120 or 70 mrem per year would suggest more exposure than is typical with standard precautions, while 10 mrem per year would be unusually optimistic given a year’s worth of field inspections.

When using an XRF device, the key factor is the amount of radiation the inspector’s body receives over a year, which stays low by design: exposure is minimized by limiting time near the source, keeping a safe distance, and using shielding and dosimetry. With proper safety practices, the average annual whole-body dose for a lead inspector performing XRF-based surveys is about 20 mrem per year. This figure reflects typical field workloads while staying well within regulatory and ALARA expectations.

The other numbers would imply higher or unrealistically low exposure. A value like 120 or 70 mrem per year would suggest more exposure than is typical with standard precautions, while 10 mrem per year would be unusually optimistic given a year’s worth of field inspections.