[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 56 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15290-15291]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-7187]



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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY


Availability of Documents for ``Contamination Monitoring Standard 
for a Portal Monitor Used for Radiological Emergency Response''

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: FEMA announces the availability of three documents: 
``Contamination Monitoring Standard for a Portal Monitor Used for 
Emergency Response'' (the Standard); ``Background Information for the 
Contamination Monitoring Standard for a Portal Monitor Used for 
Emergency Response'' (background information), and ``Statements of 
Consideration for the Contamination Monitoring Standard for 
[[Page 15291]] a Portal Monitor Used for Emergency Response'' 
(resolution of comments).

ADDRESSES: Copies of the documents may be obtained by contacting Ralph 
A. Myers, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20472, (202)646-3084, (facsimile) (202)646-3486.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph A. Myers, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202)646-
3084, (facsimile) (202)646-3486.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the event of an accident at a commercial 
nuclear power plant, the public may be exposed to airborne or deposited 
radioactive material if significant amounts of radioactive particulate 
materials are released to the atmosphere. The Standard sets the level 
for detection by a portal monitor of radioactive contamination that, if 
detected, would warrant decontamination measures. The objective is to 
minimize the risk of health effects to an individual from external 
radioactive contamination on the skin and clothing. The background 
document provides a detailed discussion of the scientific basis and 
rationale supporting selection of the numerical value of this Standard.
    The portal monitor must have the capability to detect at least one 
microcurie (<greek-m>Ci) of radionuclides that emit beta and gamma 
radiation, in the form of surface contamination with a widespread 
nonuniform distribution over an individual. One or more cesium-137 (Cs-
137) sealed source(s) with a total activity not exceeding one 
microcurie (<greek-m>Ci) shall be used for determining compliance with 
the Standard. Detectability of this amount of radioactivity shall be 
demonstrated by the manufacturer to cognizant State or local government 
officials with the Cs-137 source(s) located at several points along a 
vertical line centered between the two side columns of the unit between 
0.5 feet and 5.5 feet above the base upon which the individual stands 
when being monitored. It is the responsibility of cognizant State or 
local government officials (not FEMA or other Federal agencies) to 
determine and assure that portal monitors intended for use for 
commercial nuclear power plant accidents meet this Standard. Such 
officials should document the intended use of portal monitors in their 
emergency plans. State and local governments that use or intend to use 
portal monitors should assure compliance with this Standard by April 
30, 1996.
    Since the issuance of this Standard constitutes guidance for State 
and local governments, alternative approaches for meeting the intent of 
this Standard may be proposed by State and local governments for 
review, evaluation, and approval by FEMA. Such alternative approaches 
should be submitted to the applicable FEMA Regional Director for 
review, recommendation, and forwarding to FEMA Headquarters for 
disposition.
    This Standard will be incorporated in the ``Radiological Emergency 
Preparedness (REP) Exercise Manual'' (FEMA-REP-14).
Kay C. Goss,
Associate Director, Preparedness, Training, and Exercises Directorate.
[FR Doc. 95-7187 Filed 3-22-95; 8:45 am]
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