ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

When should a licensee report exposure that exceeds 5 rem?

1. Within one hour

2. Within 24 hours

3. Within one week

4. Immediately

The correct answer is: Within 24 hours

The regulation stipulates that if a licensee becomes aware of an occupational radiation exposure that exceeds 5 rem, it is required to report this exposure within 24 hours. This timeframe is established to ensure that appropriate measures can be taken to evaluate the situation, assess any potential risks to the employee, and implement necessary protective actions to prevent further exposure. Reporting within this period helps maintain safety standards and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements regarding radiation safety. Immediate reporting is generally reserved for more urgent situations, such as significant spills or incidents involving radioactive material, which may pose immediate risks to health and safety. However, the specific threshold of 5 rem necessitates a prompt but measured response, hence the 24-hour requirement serves as a reasonable timeline to manage and address the exposure incident appropriately.