Film and Ring badges are issued to all radiation handlers who work with beta particles emitters with an energy of 0.5 MeV... for example P-32 or gamma emitters or x-rays with any energy.... for example I-125 and Cr-51.

Film and ring badges measure your exposure to radiation from outside the body. The badges do not protect you from radiation but only measure the amount of radiation you are exposed to.

Persons only using H-3, C-14, S-35 are not required to wear film or ring badges.

The reason for having a film and ring badge is so we can measure what you whole body receives (the film badge) and what you hands receive (the ring badge.)

The NRC has set limit for exposure to radiation. Your whole body is allowed to receive 5 rem/year. Your hands and feet are allowed to receive 50 rems/year.

Here at UVM we want to keep all exposures below 10 % of the NRC limits.

Film and ring badges must be exchanged each month so that they can be sent to a commercial company for evaluation.

You will be sent a exposure report if you received a measurable exposure that month. All film and ring badged workers receive an annual report of their radiation exposure.

Proper Use of Radiation Dosimeters

Do's

  • Wear your film badge at all times while in a radiation handling or storage lab.
  • Wear your ring badge whenever you are handling radioactive materials. Twist the ring so it faces the radiation source. It should be worn on your dominate hand.
  • Wear the film badge on the upper part of the body facing forward.
  • Wear your ring badge underneath your disposable gloves and always on the same hand.
  • If you are wearing a lead apron, wear the film badge at the neck level outside the apron.
  • Each month your film and ring badge are exchanged for new ones. Please return the old ones as soon as your receive your new badges.
  • Even if you have not handled any radiation during that month, your film and ring badges must be returned.
  • The new film that you receive each month must be properly inserted into the specialized holder. The hold had filters inside which make it possible to determine the type, energy and quantity of radiation. If the film is not placed in your holder correctly inaccurate or no radiation dose reading will occur.
  • Leave your film and ring badge in a safe place away from high temperature, high humidity and radiation sources in your lab.
  • Report the loss or damage to your film or ring badge immediately to the Radiation Safety Office.

Do Not's

  • Do not allow buckles, buttons, pens, etc. to shield the film badge.
  • Do not take your film and ring badge home with you.
  • Do not wear a film or ring badge issued to another person.
  • Do not get you film or ring badge wet.

Do not cut or puncture the film badge. Ask for assistance if you are not familiar with proper insertion of film into the holder.

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