Radiation Safety at a Neutron Generator

From our experience with the radiation safety problems created at NRL by accelerator neutrons, we have drawn certain general conclusions. The first is that neutron dosimetry is not a stra ightforward process. In general given "the state of the art" the neutron dose is not easily determined and any neutron measurement should be treated with a great deal of skepticism. At NRL we take a very conservative approach to neutron doses, usually requiring that neutron dose rates be a factor of five below allowable limits. The activation problem at a neutron-producing accelerator is also significant. In order to keep personnel doses as low as possible it is necessary to maintain strict control over target materials and entry into a target area. Finally the design of shielding at a neutron facility must be given careful consideration by as many people as can be assembled who are familiar with the strange quirrks of scattering neutrons.