Question 411: Under 10 CFR 19.12, what is the minimum
training that licensees must provide to visitors who will
enter a restricted area (where the occupational dose limits
apply)?
Answer: 10 CFR 19.12, "Instructions to Workers," requires
that training (instruction) be provided to "all individuals
working in or frequenting any portion of a restricted
area." Frequenting an area means to pay frequent visits to
the area or to be in the area often. Therefore, 10 CFR
19.12 does not apply to infrequent visitors who will not be
working in the restricted area. However, 10 CFR 19.12 does
apply to visitors or other individuals (a) who will be
working in the restricted area or (b) who are expected to
be in the area often. (Thus, 10 CFR 19.12 does require
instruction of anyone working in a restricted area, even if
that work is infrequent.) Licensees have the
responsibility to determine which individuals are frequent
visitors and which are not. Although not required by 10
CFR 19.12, in accordance with good radiation protection
practice, infrequent visitor (s) should be provided with a
trained escort who will provide the visitor (s) with the
information needed for protection from any potential
radiological hazards. (Reference: 10 CFR 19.12)