TOPIC 7: Personnel & Roles

Let’s explore radiation personnel.

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These are the personnel that typically support a radiation protection program.

The amount of TRAINING each person needs depends on the requirements of the type of license and the regulatory agency’s regulations & policies.

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Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

• Evaluated by the regulatory agency and listed on the radioactive materials license
• Has a direct line authority to the plant manager for radiation safety decisions

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RSO Duties

• Emphasize the ALARA philosophy
• Review personnel monitoring records
• Conduct an annual, formal review of the radiation safety program
• Ensure radioactive materials are handled appropriately by trained personnel
• Ensure workers read procedures and notices

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• Ensure radioactive materials are properly secured from unauthorized removal
• Ensure radioactive materials are inventoried at required frequency
• Ensure radioactive materials are shipped according to USDOT regulations
• Ensure facility remains free from radioactive contamination through a periodic swipes and survey program

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• Maintain records as required by the license, application and regulations
• Perform as the liaison between the company and regulatory agencies
• Listen to workers and make proper notifications, as needed
• Ensure INDIVIDUALS know their responsibilities for radiation protection
• Ensure Radiation Work Permits (RWP) are complete

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Advanced Authorized User (AAU)

• Has extensive training (40 hours or less is some states)
• Can substitute for RSO
• Can perform Relocation of gauge if authorized by the license
• Performs hands-on work with gauges same as Authorized User
• Can provide refresher training for AUs (if authorized by the license)

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Authorized User (AU)

• Has 8 hours of training in most states and the USNRC
• Can assist RSO in radiation activities
• Can assist in Relocation of gauge
• Performs hands-on work with gauges

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Duties to be performed by AAU and AU:

• Survey
• Inventory
• Leak test
• Lock out/Tag out & shutter checks
• Care & Cleaning
• Minor maintenance (ie., replace metal label, clean rust)

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Metal label is installed by the manufacturer.  It has the

1.Nomenclature of the source holder:

2.Original DATE installed

3.Source Holder manufacturer, model number, serial no.

4.Radioisotope and activity

If the label is not readable, it is a violation and must be replaced.  If needed, check with your manufacturer for a replacement which you can solder on.

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Ancillary personnel are the NON-RADIATION workers who can assist with specific duties.

1.They must have a radiation safety orientation commensurate with the hazard

2.They must perform their specialty task, then leave the site

3.They cannot work in a field > 2mR/hour.