Aims & Objectives

This two-day course helps prepare delegates for appointment as a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS). It covers some basic physics, mathematics and health and safety principles, and concludes with an examination on the second day; a certificate of achievement is awarded on successful completion.

By the end of the course delegates will:

• Have a basic knowledge and understanding of ionising radiation, in particular X-rays
• Understand radiation hazards in the workplace
• Understand the basic radiation protection concepts and principles
• Feel confident to supervise work in the vicinity of radioactive materials and other ionising radiation sources, such as X-ray generators
• Understand the risks, local rules and responsibilities involved
• Be helped towards qualifying for appointment as an RPS

Suitability

Those who are, or are about to become, Radiation Protection Supervisors, and anyone who supervises work in the vicinity of ionising radiation sources such as X-ray generators or radioactive materials.

Requirements

No prior experience is required, though the course contains some basic physics, mathematics and health and safety principles. An open-book examination is set on the second day (1 hour 15 minutes, 70% pass mark); delegates may ask the invigilator questions during the exam.

Syllabus

Day 1 - Radiation Principles & Protection

• Radiation properties: alpha, beta and neutron particles, X-rays and gamma rays
• External radiation hazards: origins, characteristics and penetration
• Radiation dose: absorbed, equivalent and effective dose
• Biological effects of ionising radiation: direct, indirect, stochastic and deterministic
• Understanding risk: natural and artificial sources, and comparing risks
• Radiation protection principles: justification, optimisation and dose limitation
• Restricting exposure to external radiation: time, distance, shielding and source strength
• Syndicate exercise: time, distance and shielding

Day 2 - Monitoring, Legislation & Examination

• Area monitoring: dose-rate, contamination and practical monitoring
• Personal dose monitoring: radiation badges, TLDs and electronic personal dosemeters
• Radiation protection legislation: key regulations, restriction of exposure, RPSs, local rules and designated areas
• Syndicate exercise: legislation
• Question and answer session
• Examination

Notes

Each delegate receives course handouts, syndicate exercises, reference materials, monitoring experience, a copy of the Ionising Radiations Regulations and, on successful completion, an RPS certificate of achievement. Recommended reading includes the HSE Radiation Protection Supervisors information sheet and the Guidance on the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (L121). Fully comprehensive notes will be given to all delegates who attend.

Certification

On completion of this two-day course and successful completion of the examination, delegates will be issued with a certificate of achievement, which will be valid for three years.