scope:

(1) These regulations are intended for observance during peacetime by all Navy and Marine Corps activities possessing or using sources of ionizing radiation which may affect the health of personnel. These standards do not apply to the exposure of an individual to ionizing radiation when used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical or dental conditions of that individual. Personnel not employed by the Department of the Navy shall comply in all respects with these regulations when engaged in a Navy-sponsored program or operation. It is recognized that these regulations may not be applicable to procedures initiated after an attack in which nuclear weapons are used; however, the provisions of these regulations, insofar as they are feasible, shall remain in effect after such an attack.

Purpose. (1) This manual provides the radiation health requirements applicable to Navy and Marine Corps radiation protection programs. A radiation protection program may be defined as the sum of all methods, plans, and procedures used to protect the health and environment of personnel from exposure to sources of ionizing radiation. It includes the radiation health program and radiological controls program. A radiation health protection program is not an end in itself; its purpose is to provide the means to preserve and maintain the health of personnel while they accomplish necessary and purposeful work in or around areas contaminated with radioactive material or areas where they are exposed to ionizing radiation.