Regulatory Hierarchy
Radiation safety for healthcare workers is governed by multiple overlapping levels of authority. Click each level to expand and explore the organizations, regulations, and resources.
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Quick Reference: Dose Limits
Occupational radiation dose limits vary by regulatory authority. Always follow the most restrictive applicable limit.
| Category | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1096 |
NRC 10 CFR Part 20 |
ICRP Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Body | 5 rem/year (1.25 rem/quarter) |
5 rem/year (50 mSv) |
20 mSv/year avg (over 5 years) |
| Eye Lens | 1.25 rem/quarter | 15 rem/year (150 mSv) |
20 mSv/year avg (reduced from 150) |
| Extremities | 18.75 rem/quarter | 50 rem/year (500 mSv) |
500 mSv/year |
| Pregnant Worker | N/A | 0.5 rem total (5 mSv, entire pregnancy) |
1 mSv (after declaration) |
ALARA Principle
As Low As Reasonably Achievable - Making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below the dose limits as practical, consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken.