Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 220

Question 220: 10 CFR 20.1602 gives requirements for control for access to very high radiation areas, and has no exemption clause. 10 CFR 20.1003 defines a very high radiation area.

(a) Are teletherapy rooms or fixed / field radiography facilities, with beams that can deliver in excess of 500 rad in 1 hour at 1 meter, very high radiation areas?

(b) Do the requirements in 20.1602 apply to teletherapy rooms or fixed / field radiography facilities?

Answer:

(a) Yes.

(b) Yes. However, this does not prohibit patients from receiving prescribed medical treatment in a teletherapy room.

(Reference:10 CFR 20.1602, 10 CFR 20.1003)