[ Index of Health Physics Questions and Answers | NRC Home Page ]
Question 94: Why was the "controlled area" defined?
Answer: The "controlled area," which is not defined or
used in the old Part 20, was defined and used in the
revised Part 20 to provide regulatory recognition of the
existence of such areas and to clarify their regulatory
status within the context of 10 CFR Part 20. In a related
change, in revised Part 20, occupational dose limits no
longer apply only in restricted areas, and lower (public)
dose limits no longer apply to everyone outside a
restricted area. Thus, under the old Part 20, an
individual who receives an occupational dose in a
controlled area is subject to the same (low) dose limit as
a member of the public in that same area. Under the
revised Part 20, an individual who receives an occupational
dose in a controlled area is subject to the occupational
dose limits, but a member of the public in the same
controlled area is subject to the (lower) dose limits for
members of the public. (Reference: 10 CFR 20.1003).