Radiation Safety Training

All radiation users (including Principal Investigators) must participate in the University’s Radiation Safety training course prior to handling or working with nuclear substances and/or radiation devices. 

Radiation users must participate in refresher training at least every 3 years.

Principal Investigators are responsible for ensuring that all radiation users under their supervision:

• are trained in the specific procedures and/or hazards associated with their work;
• participate in the University Radiation Safety Training and refresher training at the frequencies indicated above; and
• are compliant with best practices and follow the ALARA principle when operating under the internal permit

Personnel that may have incidental contact with nuclear substances and radiation devices will be provided Radiation Awareness training.  This includes personnel in Campus Community Police, Fire Prevention, Custodial and Maintenance as applicable. Refresher training will also be provided at least every 3 years.

The University’s Radiation Safety training and refresher training courses includes Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Class 7 training. Individuals not otherwise radiation users that offer for transport, transport, or receive radioactive materials classified as dangerous goods, as per the TDG Act and Regulations must participate in TDG training every 3 years to maintain current TDG Class 7 certification.

The following provides a list of topics that will be covered in the training courses.

Radiation User Training (Requirement for all new Radiation Users)

• Introduction to Radiation & Radioactivity
• Regulatory Requirements & Overview of University of Guelph RP Program
• Radiation Quantities & Units
• Biological & Health Effects
• Radiation Measurement & Instrumentation
• Dosimetry
• Controlling Exposures
• University of Guelph Standard Operation Procedures
• Purchasing, Shipping & Receiving of Radioactive Materials
• Emergency Procedures & Response

Radiation Awareness Training

• Introduction to Radiation & Radioactivity
• Biological & Health Effects
• Detection of Radiation & Instrumentation
• ALARA Principle & Controlling Exposures
• University of Guelph Standard Operation Procedures
• Radioactive Packages & Emergency Procedures
• X-rays
• LASERS
• Where to Find Further Information

Undergraduate Teaching

All undergraduate students who handle nuclear substances, in group teaching classrooms or laboratories must participate in the required radiation safety training specific to their programs and work under direct supervision at all times.  Compliance is the responsibility of the Heads of Departments. Training records must be maintained by the Department.

All radiation users (including Principal Investigators) must participate in the University’s Radiation Safety training course prior to handling or working with nuclear substances and/or radiation devices.

Radiation users must participate in refresher training at least every 3 years. Passing the quiz with a mark of 75% or greater will suffice as having completed the refresher course.

Radiation user training is provided by the Environment Health & Safety Department at the University of Guelph.