Test and optimization of two routine dosemeters for the dose quantity Hp(3)

• Whole body dosemeter for Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) can also be used for Hp(3).
• The dose algorithm for whole body dosemeter can be changed for Hp(3).
• Extremity dosemeter for Hp(0.07) can also be used for Hp(3) on the forehead.
• The reference energy has to be changed for Hp(3).

The individual monitoring service Seibersdorf uses two different passive dosemeter types based on thermo luminescence (TL) detectors for monitoring occupationally exposed persons in Austria. Whole body personal dosemeters for the personal dose equivalent quantities Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) worn on the trunk and dosemeters for the extremities for Hp(0.07) worn on a finger or wrist. Both routine dosemeters were calibrated and tested in terms of the personal dose equivalent Hp(3) assuming that the whole body dosemeter is worn on the chest (without or above a lead apron) and the modified ring/wrist dosemeter using a special strap worn on the forehead near the eyes (head band dosemeter). The test results show that it is possible to measure the dose quantity Hp(3) with these dosemeters that were originally not designed for this dose quantity. Only changes in the dose calculation algorithm and in the choice of the reference radiation quality were necessary to fulfil the requirements given in international standards for passive dosemeters in a wide energy (20 keV–1.3 MeV) and angular range (0°–60°).