Who is required to wear personal dosimetry devices?

The requirement to wear personal dosimetry devices is primarily for anyone who may be exposed to ionizing radiation as part of their job. These devices, such as dosimeters, are critical for monitoring radiation exposure to ensure that the levels remain within safe limits as defined by regulatory standards. This monitoring is essential for protecting the health and safety of workers in environments where they may encounter radiation, such as in medical facilities, nuclear power plants, or research laboratories.

This requirement is based on the principle of keeping exposure to radiation as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and ensures that individuals who work in radiation environments are tracked for their cumulative exposure to safeguard their health over time. By wearing dosimetry devices, workers can receive immediate feedback about their exposure levels, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.

In contrast, certain groups such as visitors to radiation facilities or individuals in specific roles, like only radiation safety officers or medical physicists, may not have the same level of exposure or regularity in working with radiation to warrant the use of these dosimetry devices.