For how long must records of dose equivalent received by occupational workers be maintained?

The correct answer is that records of dose equivalent received by occupational workers must be maintained indefinitely. This requirement is crucial for ensuring that a comprehensive history of radiation exposure is readily available for each individual. The maintenance of these records is important for several reasons:

1. Long-term Health Monitoring: Radiation exposure can have cumulative effects on health over time, and some health risks may not manifest until many years after exposure. Keeping records indefinitely allows for long-term health studies and individual medical evaluations as new information about radiation effects emerges.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory bodies often have mandates requiring that radiation dose records be maintained indefinitely to provide a complete assessment for any future situations that may need investigation, particularly in the context of occupational safety and health.

3. Employee Rights and Safety: Workers have the right to access their exposure records at any time. Indefinitely maintaining these records ensures that employees can review their exposure history, which can be critical for personal health decisions.

4. Accurate Exposure Assessments: In the event of potential exposure incidents or health claims related to radiation exposure, having complete and long-term records enables accurate assessments and aids in providing necessary support.

This indefinite retention aligns with best practices for radiation safety and health monitoring in occupational