Prenatal radiation exposure policy: A labor arbitration

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Health Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199007000-00012· OSTI ID:6644842

Kelly, J J ^[1]

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1. New York Power Authority, White Plains (USA)

A policy on prenatal radiation exposure at two nuclear power plants was revised to give better assurance of compliance with NCRP recommendations on fetal radiation exposure. This action was taken after publication of NCRP 91 in June 1987 to provide better assurance that a total dose equivalent limit to an embryo-fetus be no greater than 0.5 mSv (0.05 rem) in any month and no more than 5 mSv (500 mrem) for a gestation period. For any female worker to receive radiation exposure greater than 1.5 mSv (0.15 rem) in a month at these nuclear power plants, she was asked to initiate an administrative request for radiation exposure in excess of this limit. In this request, she was asked to acknowledge that she was aware of the guidance in U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13. A worker who had the potential for radiation exposure in excess of 1.5 mSv (0.15 rem) refused to process this request and was consequently denied overtime work. She filed a grievance for denial of overtime, and this grievance was submitted for labor arbitration in June 1988. The arbitration decision and its basis and related NRC actions are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6644842
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Health Physics; (USA) Vol. 59:1; ISSN 0017-9078; ISSN HLTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
DOSES
FETUSES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
POWER PLANTS
PREGNANCY
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
REACTORS
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
TERATOGENESIS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS