Aim: The radiation synovectomy is a widespread therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis. However, data for the β-radiation exposure are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the personal dose equivalent H_p(0.07) of the skin of the hands. Methods: Thermoluminescence detectors (TLDs) were attached at all fingertips of the therapist, the radiochemist and the nurse. In summary, the measurement of β-exposure occurred in 155 joints at 6 days with different radionuclides (¹⁶⁹Er, ¹⁸⁶Re, ⁹⁰Y). Results: The greatest beta exposure were show at the forefinger (L-Ff) and thumb (L-Th) of the left hand, with which the therapist (right hander) fixed the injection needle. In 52 treated finger-joints (1204 MBq ¹⁶⁹Er), 29 treated large joints (2405 MBq ¹⁸⁶Re) and 15 treated knees (3100 MBq ⁹⁰Y) we found a cumulative beta exposure over all radionuclides of 190 mSv at L-Ff and 48 mSv at L-Th. The specific beta exposure for the individual radionuclides showed beta exposures of 0,56 μSv/MBq for ¹⁶⁹Er and 1,52 μSv/MBq for ¹⁸⁶Re-186 at the L-Ff. With using a manipulator the μ-exposure (⁹⁰Y) could reduced from 22,09 to 0,42 μSv/MBq at the L-Ff. The greatest beta exposures for the radiochemist was 119 mSv at the L-Ff far all radionuclides. Conclusion: In usual techniques of radiation synovectomy the ⁹⁰Y produced the greatest part of radiation exposure. Especially at the L-Ff it might exceed the German limit for the official dosimetry service at the skin (§55 Strl-SchV). Using a holding forceps we can keep the legal rules and can reduce considerably the beta exposure.