NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 — OSC Radiation Protection Response
Purpose
Provides guidance for the Operational Support Center (OSC) Radiation Protection response during emergencies, including criteria for selecting volunteers for emergency radiation exposure tasks (lifesaving and protecting valuable property).
Emergency Exposure Volunteer Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation training | Must be familiar with consequences of radiation exposure (Rad Worker trained) | NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 |
| Pregnancy | Declared pregnant women SHALL NOT volunteer | NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 |
| Age preference | Preference for volunteers over 45 years of age | NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 |
| Prior emergency exposure | Must NOT have received previous emergency exposure | NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 |
| Physical qualification | Must be physically qualified (no disqualifying medications) | NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 |
| Reproductive capability | Not a female capable of reproduction (preference) | NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 |
Exam — 2020 Q73
Emergency dose extension: per step 5.0 NOTE, an individual's yearly dose limit is automatically raised to 4500 mRem upon the declaration of an ALERT or higher classification (for ERO personnel with an NRC Form-4 on file). Trap: the lowest classification for automatic extension is ALERT, not Site Area Emergency. The extended limit is 4500 mrem, not 5000 mrem (which is the NRC yearly TEDE limit under 10CFR20).
JPM — 2023 SRO-A3
Emergency volunteer selection for lifesaving task (15-20 REM predicted dose): systematically evaluate each candidate against ALL criteria. A failed periodic written exam does NOT disqualify an SRO — training and familiarity with radiation consequences is the criterion, not active license status. Age over 45 is a strong preference, not just a recommendation.
Exam — 2019 Q45
Confirms 2020 Q73: upon declaration of a Site Area Emergency (or ALERT or higher), the individual's yearly administrative dose limit is automatically raised to 4500 mrem. Normal ADCL per RP-AA-203 is 2000 mrem TEDE. Stay time calculation example: worker with 1000 mrem already received in a 1000 mrem/hr field → (4500 - 1000) / 1000 = 3.5 hours = 210 minutes maximum stay time.
Exam — 2019 Q97
Planned Emergency Exposure Limits (PEEL) per NC.EP-EP.ZZ-0304 (SRO question): PEEL for life saving = 75 REM. PEEL for accident mitigation = 25 REM. Emergency Coordinator authorization for LIFE SAVING TASKS requiring emergency exposure must be done verbally — meaning ONLY the EDO (the current Emergency Coordinator) can approve it. Trap: the SM previously served as interim EDO before turnover, but once EC duties are transferred to the EDO, only the EDO can authorize emergency exposure. The SM no longer has that authority.
Connections
- Related admin: EP-SA-325 — Emergency Plan Implementing Procedures
- Related concepts: Radiation Monitoring
- Related exam questions: 2019 Q45, 2019 Q97, 2020 Q73, 2022 Q71
- Related JPMs: 2023 JPM SRO-A3
- Related exam: 2019 NRC Written Exam, 2020 NRC Written Exam, 2022 NRC Written Exam, 2023 NRC Operating Exam