What action should be taken if a personnel dosimeter is found to be outside of the normal exposure range?

When a personnel dosimeter is found to be outside of the normal exposure range, the best course of action is to report the finding to the safety officer. This step is crucial because it ensures that any potential issues with the dosimeter's readings are addressed promptly. A reading outside the normal range could indicate a malfunction of the device, an error in use, or even a significant exposure incident that requires further investigation.

Reporting to the safety officer helps maintain safety protocols and allows for a thorough assessment of the situation. It initiates a process to determine whether the dosimeter is functioning properly and whether any corrective actions need to be taken to protect the workers’ health. This proactive approach is essential in radiation protection practices, as it emphasizes accountability and the importance of monitoring exposure accurately.

While replacing the dosimeter could be a necessary follow-up action if it proves to be faulty, the initial step should always involve reporting the anomaly to the appropriate safety personnel. This maintains the integrity of radiation safety measures and ensures ongoing compliance with regulatory standards.