TOPIC 3: Role of Personnel

Let’s understand the Roles of Personnel.

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Let’s look at the Roles of the personnel that make up the most important part of the radiation protection manual.

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There are several levels of responsibility for radiation protection in the facility.  All personnel have a vital role in maintaining compliance and safety for the protection of themselves, their fellow workers, the members of the public, and the environment.  Let’s look at these different levels of personnel.

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The RSO is the top level of radiation personnel.  Please review these tasks and see how each one may apply to your organization and Scope of Work. The RSO is the main person that must be specifically approved by the regulatory agency to begin work. If there is a change in the RSO, the regulators must get 30 days advanced notice.  In fact, the RSO is more important than the Plant Manager or the CEO of the organization in the implementation of a radiation protection program.

In most facilities the RSO may “wear several hats”, such as the company Safety Officer, Environmental Manager or Laboratory Supervisor.  Once you complete this training, it could be you.

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The Authorized User, that has 40-hours of advanced radiation protection, is very valuable to the RSO.  This person provides the backup in the event the RSO is not present.  Remember, most inspections by the regulators are UNANNOUNCED.  If the RSO is on vacation, in the dental chair, at a school parent teacher conference, or otherwise unavailable, it is important that there is someone to substitute for the RSO.  This person not only has the training, they have the knowledge of the operations, and are familiar with the record keeping.

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An Authorized User, with less than 40-hours of training, is an individual that may be required to be listed on the license to handle radioactive material without the presence of the RSO.  Prior to becoming an authorized user, an individual must meet certain training requirements and have sufficient experience to know how to protect workers, the public and the environment.

This training should include:

1.Principles and fundamentals of radiation protection and safety practices related to the use of radioactive materials, including ALARA principles;

2.Radioactivity measurements;

3.Use of radiation detection instruments and monitoring techniques;

4.Biological effects of radiation;

5.Transportation of radioactive materials;

6.Practical experience with the use of radioactive materials; and

7.The Facility’s operating and emergency procedures.

Each regulatory agency will have guidance on the training required for the type of radioactive materials being authorized.

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Other personnel who perform specific duties may perform these tasks as long as:

1. They are authorized by the RSO to do so;
2. The tasks are specific;
3. The Radiation Protection Manual provides for these personnel to perform certain tasks;
4. The person is supervised by the RSO or his/her designee.