What is the recommended action if a worker loses their dosimeter inside the restricted area (RCA)?

• A. Direct them to leave the RCA and report to Radiation Protection
• B. Have them continue work and search later
• C. Notify supervisor but stay in the area
• D. Wait for a supervisor to assign a replacement dosimeter

Answer: (A)

When a dosimeter is lost in a restricted area, the immediate priority is to keep exposure monitored and the area compliant. The worker should exit the RCA and report the loss to Radiation Protection. This stops unmonitored exposure from continuing and allows RP to verify there’s no contamination, issue a replacement dosimeter, and authorize re-entry if needed. Staying in the area or continuing work without a dosimeter would leave dose records incomplete and can violate safety and regulatory requirements, while delaying replacement by waiting for a supervisor could postpone essential monitoring and proper dosimetry.