Area radiation monitors should be installed in frequently occupied locations with the potential for unexpected increases in dose rates and in remote locations where there is a need for local indication of dose rates prior to personnel entry.
Area radiation monitors should not be substituted for radiation exposure surveys in characterizing a workplace. The need for and placement of area radiation monitors should be documented and assessed when changes to facilities, systems, or equipment occur.
Area radiation monitors should be tested at least quarterly to verify audible alarm system operability and audibility under ambient working conditions and operability of visual alarms when so equipped.
If installed instrumentation is removed from service for maintenance or calibration, a radiation monitoring program providing similar detection capability should be maintained, consistent with the potential for unexpected increases in radiation dose rates.
Where an area radiation monitor is incorporated into a safety interlock system, the circuitry should be such that a failure of the monitor either prevents entry into the area or prevents operation of the radiation producing device. If the circuitry is required to ensure compliance with the high radiation area access control requirements of 10 CFR 835.502, “High and Very High Radiation Areas,” then the circuitry shall be fail-safe.