Radiation protection and monitoring for well-drilling operations

An extensive well installation program of approximately 600 wells in the ORNL area was initiated in December, 1985. At that time it was recognized that subcontractor personnel involved in the Laboratory's characterization effort might encounter radioactive or other hazardous materials that could result in significant levels of exposure. A program was established to provide for categorization of health hazard protection for those individuals involved in the characterization effort. This paper will address the steps that were taken to evaluate proposed sites for subcontractor activity, assumptions used to categorize the level of health risk, and the procedures established for assignment of appropriate protective equipment.