Duties of Personnel

Radiation Safety

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is that person appointed by the Administration of the College, who by reason of education, training and experience is qualified to:

1. advise others on radiation safety
2. supervise and implement the radiation safety program on campus.

The responsibilities of the RSO shall be:

1. To approve rules and policies regarding activities and procedures which involve personal exposure to radiation of the release of radioactive substances into the environment and to implement such procedures and policies.
2. Act in a supervisory capacity in all aspects of the College s radiation protection program such as personal monitoring, survey methods, waste disposal and other radiological safety practices.
3. To ensure methods of use, storage and disposal of radioactive materials meet the conditions of the radioisotope license issued by the Atomic Energy Control Board to the College.
4. To control acquisition, transportation, storage, use and disposal of radioactive materials.
5. To maintain records of personal exposure and an inventory of radioisotope purchases and disposals.
6. To carry out regular inspections of facilities where radioisotopes are used and stored.
7. To suspend any operation causing excessive personal exposure to radiation or release of radioactive substances into the environment.
8. To investigate promptly any accident or spill.
9. To be available to consult with all users of radioisotopes at the College and give advise and training on radiological safety procedures.
10. When absent from the College, to designate a qualified individual to act as interim RSO.

Authorized Users

An authorized user is a person who by virtue of training and experience is approved by the RSO to use radioactive material. The authorized user must be an employee of the College.

The responsibilities of an authorized user shall be:

1. Being familiar with and obeying the safety regulations listed in the TRU Radiation Safety Manual.
2. Keeping personal radiation exposure and exposure of those working under the user's supervision to the lowest level which is reasonably achievable.
3. Adequate planning of all experiments, including the type and amount of radioactive material to be used, shielding or other protective measures required and disposal of materials at the completion of the experiment.
4. Limiting the release of radioactive material to concentrations less than those specified.
5. Wearing monitoring equipment such as film badges as prescribed by the RSO and ensuring that designated users wear such equipment.
6. Limiting the use of radioisotopes to the locations specified in the permit.
7. Maintaining accurate up-to-date records of inventory, usage and disposal of all radioisotopes received.
8. Supplying the RSO with information concerning designated workers and their activities. Female Users must notify the RSO if they or their designated workers become pregnant as special precautions or adjustment of working conditions may have to be made.
9. Informing the RSO of any changes in approved projects.
10. Being aware of the Federal Atomic Energy Control Regulations and the Provincial Radiation Health and Safety Act.

Designated Workers

A designated worker is a person sponsored by an authorized user and approved by the RSO to use radioactive material under supervision of an authorized user. This category is intended for students and technicians. A designated worker shall be at least 18 years of age.

All designed workers shall be aware of and comply with the regulations for radiation safety as listed in the TRU Radiation Safety Manual. Individual responsibilities shall include:

1. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment when working with radioisotopes.
2. Keeping personal radiation exposure to the lowest level which is reasonably achieved.
3. Limiting the use of radioisotopes to the locations specified in the permit.
4. Limiting the release of radioactive material to concentrations less than those specified.
5. Maintaining an accurate record of all use and disposal of radioactive substances.

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