Question 219: 10 CFR 20.1601 requires control of access to
high radiation areas. It provides an exception for access
to hospital areas with patients containing radioactive
material, "provided that there are personnel in attendance
. . ." who will take certain specified precautions. (a)
Does a nursing station within line-of-site of a patient's
room satisfy the requirement? (b) Does a nursing station
controlling access to a ward, but not in the line-of-site,
satisfy the requirement?
Answer: (a) Yes, provided there are personnel in
attendance at all times who will take the necessary
precautions to prevent the exposure of individuals to
radiation or radioactive material in excess of the limits
established in Part 20, and operate within the ALARA
provisions of the licensee's radiation protection program.
b) Yes, provided the room is properly posted. (Reference:
10 CFR 20.1601, Appendix X to Regulatory Guide 10.8)