Assessment of occupational exposure and safety for customs and border protection personnel in Saudi Arabia

High-energy linear accelerators (LINACs) are widely used at border checkpoints to generate X-ray images for vehicle and cargo inspection. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel operating these systems may be occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation, which poses potential health risks if not properly managed. This study aimed to quantify occupational radiation exposure among CBP workers at selected border and customs facilities in Saudi Arabia. A total of 15 CBP workers operating two LINAC systems for vehicle and cargo inspection were monitored over a two-year period. Personal dose equivalents were measured using calibrated optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeters, including deep dose equivalent (Hp(10)) and shallow dose equivalent (Hp(0.07)). In 2022, the mean Hp(0.07) and Hp(10) values were 0.89 ± 0.1 mSv and 0.84 ± 0.07 mSv, respectively, while in 2023 the corresponding values were 0.88 ± 0.09 mSv and 0.85 ± 0.10 mSv. All recorded doses were below international occupational exposure limits. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining effective radiation protection measures, including training, appropriate personal protective equipment, and routine health monitoring, to ensure the safety of CBP personnel in Saudi Arabia.