Ionising Radiation Safety

Introduction to Radiation Safety 

We offer two Radiation Courses as follows:

Course 1. Radiation Protection Supervisor Training (2 half days)

(opens in a new window)Aimed at: Faculty, Research staff, Technical Officers and Postgraduate Researchers

This course is provided to persons who will be appointed as an RPS or will be handling and directly using:

• Unsealed radionuclides
• Sealed radioactive sources
• X-ray sources

A one-day course (given over two half days, 9am-1pm) run in conjunction with the University Radiation Protection Officer focusing on the nature of radiation and the measures needed to assess the risks and guard against them at the place of work. The course also assesses the legislative requirements of licensing.

Objectives:

At the end of the course participants will be able to identify ionising radiation hazards and to conduct a radiation risk assessment.

Content:

• The nature of ionising radiations, their effects and quantification of harm
• radiation protection principles and the importance of the ALARP principle.
• Acknowledge and appreciate the external and internal radiation hazard.
• Become familiar with practical radiation protection techniques (for all source types).
• Use quantities for measuring dose, dose rate and exposure
• The range of active and passive radiation / contamination monitoring
• Techniques available for assessing personal and environmental exposure.
• Know how to choose the correct technique for your area of work.
• Understand and use the principles of risk assessment to assist in assessing exposure and its significance and relevance to specified dose limits.
• Be aware of the legislation which underpins radiation protection and how the RPS fits into the regulatory framework (and where they do not).
• Be familiar with radiation protection management procedures (e.g. designation of areas, written systems of work, classified radiation workers).
• Know when local rules are required, what they should contain and who should write them.
• Understand the role of the RPS (what you need to do and what you invariably end up doing).
• Appreciate the importance of good record keeping.
• Understand the role of the RPA (and how to use them).
• Understand the responsibility of the radiation employer.
• Recognise the implications of a radiation incident and appreciate the importance of contingency planning.

Duration: Two half days  

Please register your interest for this course (opens in a new window)HERE

Interested applicants will be notified in advance as to when this course will be taking place.

Course 2. Radiation Awareness Training (2 hours)

Aimed at: Faculty, Research staff, Technical Officers and Postgraduate Researchers

This course is provided to persons who work indirectly with or around radioactive materials under the premise that every person working within a radionuclide lab should know the basics about radioisotopes and their effects.

A 2hr course run in conjunction with the University Radiation Protection Officer focusing on the nature of radiation and the measures needed to assess the risks and guard against them at the place of work. The course also assesses the legislative requirements of licensing.

Objectives:

To provide both the radiation and laboratory worker with basic information needed to protect himself/herself and to understand and comply with legislative requirements.

Content:

• Nature and Characteristics of Radiation and Radioactivity
• Radiation Detection and Measurement
• Possible Hazards of Radiation Including Hazards to the Fetus
• Dose and Exposure Limits
• Safety Practices Which Can Reduce Radiation Exposure to Workers and the Environment
• Current Regulations and Emergency Procedures

Duration: 2 hours

Please register your interest for this course (opens in a new window)HERE

Interested applicants will be notified in advance as to when this course will be taking place.

Recommended Course to Complete with these Training Courses: Risk Assessment Training