Comparison between thermoluminescence and electronic dosimetry results at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre

At the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK.CEN, the official dose of record is measured by thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs), read out on a monthly basis. The workers who frequently enter controlled areas also wear an electronic dosemeter (ED), in addition, as an ALARA tool. In this paper the dose values registered by both dosimetry systems during 1 year are compared. Special attention was given to the determination of the background radiation. The general agreement was good, although the TLD gave slightly higher values. An exercise like this yielded useful information on the storage and use of dosemeters by personnel and on the lowest limit of detection obtained with both systems.