Non-ionizing radiation safety program management--one corporation's approach.
Development and implementation of non-ionizing radiation safety programs differ from ionizing radiation safety programs primarily due to the absence of prescriptive state and federal regulations. Industry consensus standards and research publications provide the basis for non-ionizing radiation safety program development. This work discusses the methodology used to develop a non-ionizing radiation safety program suitable, with minimal modification, for use both in research and industrial facilities. This program includes identification of industry consensus standards, measurement of actual or potential exposure, establishment of engineering and administrative controls, training and orientation of the workforce, and tracking of changes. Implementation of the program involves cooperation between a small corporate staff and many individuals representing various environmental, safety and health as well as manufacturing and research disciplines located in the facilities that contain the actual radiation sources. Challenges in program implementation include the wide variation in types, numbers, and uses of non-ionizing sources in numerous facilities located throughout the United States. Additional opportunities include providing advice and support to facilities located outside of the United States.
Lewandowski
Michael A
MA
Corporate Health Physics, 3M Company, Bldg. 220-03-W-06, St. Paul, MN 55144, USA. MALewandowski@mmm.com
Hinz
Michael W
MW
Entwistle
Frederick B
FB
D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007221:Industry / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011840:Radiation, Nonionizing; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States