[en] Derived limits (DLs) for surface contamination were first established for use in the nuclear energy industry where a wide variety of radionuclides is encountered. They were later used in factories, hospitals, and universities, where the radionuclides used are normally fewer in number, either known or readily identifiable, and often of low toxicity. In these situations the current limits are frequently over-restrictive. This report describes a reassessment of the values in the light of more recent information on the possible pathways of exposure and the dose equivalent limits given in ICRP Publication 26. The reassessment is prompted also by the introduction of SI units. The results of the reassessment are used to produce a classification of DLs for all radionuclides for active and inactive area surfaces and for skin. (author)

[en] A re-assessment of derived limits (DLs) for surface contamination was published in NRPB-DL2 in 1979. The re-assessment was based on the dose equivalent limits given in ICRP Publication 26 and the information on derived air concentrations (DACs) and annual limits of intake (ALIs) available at that time. Since then, ICRP has published data for the DACs and ALIs of all the radionuclides considered in the re-assessment. Some changes to the values and the classification of radionuclides given in NRPB-DL2 are required as a result, and these are given in this supplement to the original report. (author)