Program Overview

Introduction to Radiation Safety Training

Radiation safety training is a prerequisite for any student or staff member who will work in an authorized radioisotope laboratory. Before commencing work in an authorized radioisotope laboratory, one of two radiation safety courses must be successfully completed.

Types of Radiation Safety Courses

There are two types of radiation safety courses available, depending on the type of work performed within the laboratory:

• Radiation Safety required for workers who directly handle radioactive sources or devices containing radioactive sources.
• Radiation Safety Awareness - required for workers who do not directly handle radioactive sources or devices containing radioactive sources.

Radiation Safety Course

The Radiation Safety course is designed to provide workers with the fundamental information pertaining to:

• Characteristics of radiation
• Modes of decay
• Biological effects
• Review of units and calculations
• Means of reducing exposure (ALARA)
• Emergency procedures
• Other procedures and policies associated with the radiation safety program (RSP)

Radiation Safety Awareness Course

The Radiation Safety Awareness course provides basic knowledge of:

• Hazard and signage identification
• Emergency procedures
• Important information related to radiation safety

Existing Radiation Workers Radiation Safety Refresher

Authorized radiation workers are required to renew their training periodically. This can be achieved by completing the Radiation Safety Refresher training every five (5) years.

Laboratory Safety Awareness for Non-laboratory Workers

This course is intended for employees who may occasionally be required to enter an authorized radioisotope laboratory to perform their employment function. The training will provide an overview of the laboratory environment, with special attention paid to:

• Recognizing and adhering to radiation signage
• Identification of potential radiation hazards
• Procedures to follow in the event of a radiation hazard encounter

Laboratory-Specific Training

Each worker must receive laboratory-specific training pertaining to:

• Characteristics and risks associated with the radioisotopes used in the laboratory
• Methods to reduce exposure while working in the laboratory
• Implementation and compliance with the requirements of the RSP in the laboratory This training must be provided by the permit holder or a qualified delegate.

Documentation of Training

All training, both online and laboratory-specific, must be documented in the worker's in-house training log.