ABSTRACT
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Health physics is the science of measuring and controlling the exposure of people and the environment to radiation. Within the context of nuclear power reactors, the tasks of controlling radiation dose to people and to the environment are usually separate tasks performed by different groups. This separation of duties is driven largely by the distinctly different rules and regulations which apply to each function and by the means of measurement and control employed. This chapter is limited to consideration of radiation dose to people. Primarily, this involves controlling radiation dose to workers, both the power plant operators and subcontractors, but can also include members of the public. Acceptable dose limits and exposures may vary depending on the type of work being performed, worker classification, or special circumstance (e.g., occupationally exposed, general public, declared pregnant female or planned special exposure).
