ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

What is a dosimeter primarily used for?

1. Measuring environmental temperature

2. Assessing dose rates of radiation exposure

3. Detecting surface radiation contamination

4. Providing personal protective equipment

The correct answer is: Assessing dose rates of radiation exposure

A dosimeter is primarily used for assessing dose rates of radiation exposure. It is an essential tool in radiation safety, allowing individuals working in environments where they may be exposed to ionizing radiation to monitor and measure their personal radiation exposure. This measurement is crucial for ensuring that exposure remains within safe limits as defined by regulatory agencies, thus helping to prevent overexposure which can lead to health risks. Dosimeters can take various forms, including film badges, electronic detectors, and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Each type functions to record the amount of radiation exposure over a set period, thereby providing a reliable method of monitoring doses received during activities such as industrial radiography. The other options refer to tools or methods not directly related to measuring radiation dose. For example, measuring environmental temperature, detecting surface radiation contamination, and providing personal protective equipment have distinct purposes that do not align with the primary function of a dosimeter.