How often may a radiation worker replace their film badge when exposure levels are below the maximum permissible dose?

Radiation workers are required to monitor their exposure to ionizing radiation to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Film badges are a common form of personal dosimetry, used to measure accumulated radiation doses over time.

When exposure levels are below the maximum permissible dose, a more frequent replacement of the film badge can be practiced for practical and safety reasons. Replacing the badge monthly allows for consistent monitoring of exposure without being unnecessarily burdensome, as it provides a clear record of exposure trends, facilitating timely intervention if exposure patterns change.

While quarterly and biannual replacements may seem sufficient, they can potentially delay detection of changes in exposure levels or incorrect use of equipment, making monthly replacement the most proactive choice. Weekly replacements could also be overly cautious and impractical for routine monitoring.

Thus, the practice of replacing the film badge monthly aligns with the recommendation for effective radiation safety management while ensuring accurate tracking of exposure.