Under what circumstances might a radiographer be required to wear two dosimeters?

Radiographers may be required to wear two dosimeters under certain circumstances to ensure accurate monitoring of their radiation exposure. One primary situation is during pregnancy, where it is crucial to assess exposure both to the radiographer and to the fetus. Wearing a second dosimeter, which is typically worn at the waist level to monitor fetal exposure specifically, provides essential data to minimize risks associated with radiation exposure during pregnancy.

Additionally, wearing two dosimeters is appropriate while performing vascular procedures. These procedures often involve fluoroscopy, which can lead to increased radiation exposure due to extended exposure times and the proximity to the radiation source. The use of two dosimeters helps in assessing the radiation dose received by different areas of the body, allowing for better safety practices and ensuring that exposure limits are not exceeded.

The combination of both scenarios emphasizes the importance of stringent radiation safety protocols in diverse situations where exposure could be higher than standard operating conditions, thus making the requirement for two dosimeters a best practice in those instances.