APPROVED INTERPRETATION GUIDANCE FOR DOE M 232.1-1A "Difference between protective clothing and personal clothing" Approved 10/27/97 REQUIREMENT GROUP 4 - PERSONNEL RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION B. Personnel Contamination Unusual Occurrence (1) Any single occurrence resulting in the contamination of five or more personnel or clothing (excluding protective clothing) measured (prior to washing or decontamination) in accordance with DOE Radiological Control Manual, Article 338, or equivalent, at a level exceeding the values for total contamination limits identified in 10 CFR 835, Occupational Radiation Protection, Appendix D. The contamination level shall be based on direct measurement and not averaged over any area. For tritium, until a total contamination value is specified by 10 CFR 835 Appendix D, report contaminations exceeding 10,000 dpm/100cm2. INTERPRETATION Issue: Explain the difference between protective clothing and personal clothing. For example, coveralls are supplied by the company and are not part of an individual's personal clothing. Are these coveralls personal or protective clothing? Intent: Protective clothing (PCs) is clothing identified for radiological use such as yellow coveralls, hoods, booties, rubber overshoes, and PC gloves. These are articles designed for radiological use and are removed at the exit of the radiological area. Company supplied coveralls, modesty clothing, street clothes, or other clothing not identified as anti­contamination clothing (anti­Cs) are to be considered personal clothing for the purposes of ORPS reporting. Back to DOE Approved Interpretations