Working with Radiation? Why Your Company Needs Radiation Protection Training
- WRITTEN BY
Admin - PUBLISHED ON
Mar 30, 2021
Login
Registration
The rise in the understanding of radiation has led to many of history & most significant scientific advances. From the military to healthcare, the power of radiation has been harnessed to both harm and help humanity - and as physicists and engineers continue to grow in the understanding of this energy source, it is becoming increasingly common to see radiation-generating equipment or materials used.
In a workplace that deals with any amount of possible radiation equipment or radioactive material, policies and procedures must be in place to train and protect employees from dangerous exposure. Not only can radiation pose a threat to those working with the radiation source, but the environment and other individuals that are near the source of radiation can be affected.
The best course of action for any organization should be proactive training in the understanding, use, and disposal of radiation sources. To better help protect individuals, FANR-REG-24 was put in place to give organizations baseline requirements when working with radiation-emitting equipment such as x-rays.
According to the FANR-REG-24, a facility that utilizes equipment that emits radiation or uses a radioactive source place implements policies and procedures that protect workers and members of the public who may come into contact with ionizing radiation. Each professional on-site who may work with a radiation source must also receive ample training in the proper use and disposal of radiation-emitting equipment. This training should include:
The risks to health created by exposure to ionizing radiation.
The radiation protection and safety procedures and precautions that should be taken to protect both equipment and the health of personnel.
The importance of complying with the medical, technical and administrative requirements of FANR-REG-24 regulations.
For companies and organizations to best protect their teams and their environment, it is encouraged that each business engaged in work with a radiation source provide high-quality training and assign a Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) to offer support to implement radiation protection program and activities.
While popular culture has given radiation a lousy name, countless industries utilize radiation’s incredible power to bring hope, healing, and opportunity to the world. Around the globe, radiation is used by the medical field to diagnose and treat illnesses. The scientific realms of physics, biology, and environmental protection use radiation power to further our knowledge of the universe and better use our natural resources. By growing in our understanding of the power of radiation, we can better protect one another and our environment.
The incredible power of a radiation source can help bring almost limitless potential to the world - removing the need for harmful fossil fuels such as coal to bring much-needed electricity and other utilities to the farthest reaches of the globe.
However, with so many industries utilizing radiation-emitting equipment, the number of individuals who are coming into contact with dangerous radiation is increasing exponentially. Whether by working directly with materials or being close to radiation, the risk rises for individuals and companies with possible liability due to exposure.
With proper radiation training measures, facilities can better protect their teams and bottom-line by preventing accidents due to improper handling or irresponsible action.
Every industry has several safety procedures and training expectations for their workforce, each as unique as the vital work they complete each day. Most require employees to undergo training for issues ranging from workplace conflicts to on-the-job safety measures. These training sessions are intended to protect employees as well as prevent costly lawsuits for the company.
If your company or industry operates with any amount of radiation source, you must implement Radiation Protection Training requirements for all workers. Most dangerous encounters with radiation occur due to accidents or lax safety measures. An overall lack of training can lead to small amounts of unnecessary exposure that can cause a much larger problem down the road.
Curious as to what a Radiation Protection Training course covers? Here is a shortlist of some of the concepts covered in radiation training:
Understanding the health risks involved with large, one-time or ongoing radiation exposure.
Learning about various radiation sources that are common in workplaces that use radiation daily.
Practice using and understanding the available Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for team members to prevent exposure.
The proper protocols to take immediately in the event of an accident involving radiation or a radiation source.
The use of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle as radiation safety measures to ensure the lowest exposure to protect workers.
How to train and implement a Radiation Protection Officer in your workplace.
When it comes to radiation safety, proactive measures that educate and prevent accidents are the best course of action. By putting this training in place, you can help ensure that you lower your risk of dealing with a catastrophic accident.
If you are ready to start implementing radiation safety measures in your workforce, a great place to start is with the assignment of a Radiation Protection Officer.
An RPO can be both a part or full-time position and plays a vital role in helping build a culture of safety throughout the company. This role plays a variety of important parts in ensuring safety and regulation for team members when using or modifying radiation sources.
RPOs are often the individuals responsible for ensuring that a company maintains the right policies and procedures to pass regulation requirements. This can include completing necessary paperwork for tracking protocols, as well as running both off and on-site training. Among their many duties, an RPO can be expected to:
Overseeing the ALARA “as low as reasonably achievable” doctrine at the company.
Proper use and exposure limits when working with radiation-emitting equipment such as an x-ray machine.
Development of protective shielding protocols for employees.
Involved in auditing ALARA and other policies involving radiation regularly.
Routine reporting of any issues or accidents involving radiation.
Reviewing the unique dose parameters related to employees or patients using radiation sources.
Creating a policy for response to spills and contamination events.
Audit radiation-generating equipment for malfunctions and order any necessary repairs.
Oversee the training of proper use of radiation-generating machines.
Transparency to report any incidents to authorities.
In charge of workplace personnel instruction on radiation protection and policy.
Routine managing and auditing for equipment used in radioactive areas.
Creating and posting any regulation updates, notices, labels, or necessary emergency procedures.
For best results with an RPO, individuals being considered for these positions should be trained with a Radiation Protection Training program and subsequent ongoing training sessions throughout their career to remain updated on regulatory changes and expectations.
The benefits of required radiation protection training should be obvious: protecting the lives of employees, customers, and others directly involved in your industry. However, increased training can also bring the added benefit of increased trust in your leadership. A company-wide safety culture can do wonders for helping employees and clients feel cared for and heard.
Whether through a formal training program or informal education through an RPO, radiation protection training is a great way to bring much-needed protection to your entire company.
If you are interested in bringing high-quality radiation protection training measures to your workplace, contact the team at RadSa Physics Consultancies and Training. With years of experience in developing training courses and educational sessions for various industries, you can help your teams better prepare to handle radioactive materials safely. Find out more online at www.radsatrainingacademy.com
