Radiation Safety Manual

5.  Declared Pregnant Woman and Embryo/Fetus Protection

It is recognized that the human embryo and fetus are much more sensitive to radiation than the adult. Therefore, the dose limit to the embryo/fetus is set at 0.5 rem for the entire pregnancy. An employee who is pregnant or thought to be pregnant has the option of identifying herself as a "Declared Pregnant Woman." Declaration of this status invokes certain obligations on the part of the employer as listed below. However, UCAR has no responsibility to provide specific embryonic or fetal protection until the employee formally declares herself as a "Pregnant Woman." All pregnant employees are urged to formally notify their supervisor or the RSO so that dose reduction steps can be taken, however, notification is strictly voluntary.

5.1  Declaration

Pregnant employees, if they so desire, should notify their supervisors, in writing, when they become pregnant or their intention to become pregnant. The notification should include the date of declaration, estimated date of conception, and expected date of birth.

5.2  Supervisor Responsibility

The supervisor, in a confidential manner, shall notify the RSO of all declarations and provide copies of all declarations.

5.3  RSO Responsibility

The RSO will investigate and document the nature of the employee's work and the potential radiation levels in the working area. The RSO will determine if personal monitoring is required and will implement monitoring if necessary. The RSO will determine what steps are necessary to maintain all doses to the embryo/fetus below allowable limits. The RSO will advise Human Resources of the declared "pregnant" status of the employee and Human Resources shall take actions as appropriate.

5.4  Exposure Limits

The maximum dose to an embryo/fetus during the entire pregnancy, due to occupational exposure of a declared pregnant woman, shall not exceed 0.5 rem. If by the time an employee declares pregnancy, the dose to the embryo/fetus exceeds .45 rem, UCAR shall be deemed in compliance.

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