Section 2: ALARA Policy

Updated May 2020

As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Policy

BU and BMC are committed to maintaining exposures As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). Although current occupational radiation exposure limits present a very low risk of harm, it is prudent to practice radiation safety techniques and protocols to minimize unnecessary exposures.

The goal of an ALARA program is to make a reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below dose limits as practical, consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of licensed materials in the public interest (105 CMR 120.005).

The ALARA program is implemented by a comprehensive radiation protection program that includes specific requirements and procedures for:

• Training of Radiation Users: Radioisotope safety training is provided by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) through its Division of Medical Physics and Radiation Safety (DMPRS). The extent of the training is commensurate with the potential risk of radiation exposure to the individual. The goal of this program is to allow those individuals who may come in contact with radioactive materials or radiation generating equipment to recognize and protect themselves from sources of radiation.
• Radiation Monitoring: Dosimetry and bioassays are provided by the DMPRS to all individuals likely to receive a radiation exposure greater than 10% of the regulatory limits listed in Table 1: Occupational Effective Dose Equivalents Limits (rem/year) of this manual.
• Investigating high radiation exposures: The RSO investigates all radiation exposures that are greater than 7.5% of the regulatory limits listed in Table 1: Occupational Effective Dose Equivalents Limits (rem/year) of this manual. These exposures are reviewed along with investigation findings during RSC meetings.
• Radiation Surveys: DMPRS regularly surveys areas where radioisotopes are used for contamination and exposure rates. Unusual findings and corrective actions are documented to ensure radiation levels are maintained ALARA.
• Safety Reviews: The RSO and the RSC review and must approve all uses of radioactive material. Radioactive material users may be required to demonstrate how their proposed projects and/or radioisotopes meet ALARA principles.
• Review of the radiation safety program: The RSO conducts an annual program review, which is reviewed by the RSC, of the radioisotope safety program to verify compliance with federal and state regulations, regulatory guides and the BU/BMC license.