§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what additions have been made since May 1979 to the personnel radiation monitoring programme technology at atomic weapons establishment, Aldermaston.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 6 July 1989]: I understand that the hon. Lady is referring to the personnel radiation monitoring programme. In addition to making relevant adjustments for compliance with requirements of new legislative measures arising since May 1979, the atomic weapons establishment have made the following major changes since that date in monitoring low levels of personal radiation exposures that might arise at their Aldermaston and other premises: 233W
- (a) the use of personnel-borne air samplers (PAS) has been extended to cover any personal occupational exposures to radioactive and toxic substances which might be of health and safety significance;
- (b) thermoluminescent radiation dosimeters (TLD) have been brought into use in place of film-badges as a means of assessing any personal gamma radiation exposures that might occur;
- (c) two in vivo (whole body) monitors have been installed and are operating for assaying any levels of radioactive substances that might have been deposited in the bodies, and particularly the lungs, of workers;
- (d) newly developed instruments have been, and are continuing to be, installed to provide further facilities for monitoring radioactivity that might be dispersed in the air, on surfaces or on persons in occupational work-spaces.