What are personnel dosimeters primarily used for?

Personnel dosimeters are primarily used to evaluate and document cumulative external radiation doses received by individuals working in environments where they might be exposed to radiation. These devices measure the amount of radiation absorbed by a person over a specified period, allowing for the assessment of radiation safety and compliance with established occupational exposure limits.

The data obtained from personnel dosimeters is crucial for maintaining worker safety, facilitating health monitoring, and ensuring that exposure levels remain within regulatory limits. This cumulative record can inform decision-making regarding necessary safety measures or changes in work practices to minimize radiation exposure.

Understanding the essential function of personnel dosimeters emphasizes their role in monitoring exposure rather than influencing radiation levels in the environment or serving as a substitute for medical imaging technologies.