Radiation Safety

Introduction

The University of Regina is committed to providing a safe and healthy work, learning, and living environment for all members of the University community.  To meet this commitment, the Radiation Safety Policy and Program, the Safeguards Program, and the Laser Safety Program, administered by Health & Safety, Human Resources, provides resources and guidance for the safe and responsible use and management of radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive materials on campus.  The Radiation Safety Policy and its associated Programs form part of the University of Regina Health and Safety Management System.

Policy

The University of Regina is committed to protecting all members of the University community and the environment from any adverse effects resulting from the use of and/or exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive materials on campus, irrespective of the source and including natural sources.  This will be achieved by:

• Ensuring all legislative requirements for the safe acquisition, use, storage, transfer and disposal of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive materials are met.
• Striving to meet all guidelines for exposure to naturally occurring radioactive materials including radioactive elements found in the environment that are not actively used in research and teaching.
• Using the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle as the guiding principle for all decisions and actions concerning the use of and exposure to radiation and radioactive materials.

The Radiation Safety Program, the Safeguards Program, and the Laser Safety Program have been developed and shall be maintained to ensure that the legislative requirements are known and followed to protect the safety of staff, students, public, and the environment, while at the same time, encouraging the use of the radiation for the benefit of the public and the furtherance of the aims of the University. The respective programs describe in detail the roles and responsibilities of the President’s Designate, Permit Holders, and individuals, for the safe use of radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive materials and any potential exposure to radiation. Using the Programs, the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Laser Safety Officer (LSO) work with the Permit Holders and key stakeholders to ensure compliance with legislative requirements (Federal/Provincial Acts, regulations, standards and guidelines and Municipal bylaws pertaining to health, safety and the environment).

Roles and Responsibilities

Administrators will:

• Ensure that the President’s Advisory Committee on Radiation Safety (PACRS) oversees and administers this policy.
• Provide sufficient personnel and resources for the administration and enforcement of requirements and procedures following from this policy.

The President’s Advisory Committee on Radiation Safety (PACRS), will:

• Oversee and administer the Radiation Safety Policy, to ensure the safe use of radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive material in education and research at the University of Regina, by the formulation of necessary programs and procedures.
• Oversee and administer the Radiation Safety Policy, to ensure that exposure to radiation and radioactive material of any form (e.g., naturally occurring) does not cause undue harm, by the formulation of necessary programs and procedures.
• Establish and oversee a Radiation Safety Committee.
• Establish and oversee a Laser Safety Committee.

The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) will:

• Formulate and implement the University of Regina policies, regulations and procedures governing the use of and exposure to radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive materials.

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Alternate Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO) will:

• Provide professional advice and assistance in all matters related to radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive material safety.
• Create, update, and educate on procedures and practices for the use of and exposure to radiation, radiation-emitting devices, and radioactive material.

The Laser Safety Committee (LSC) will:

• Formulate and implement the University of Regina policies and procedures governing the use of lasers and laser systems to ensure safe use.

The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) will:

• Evaluate and control laser hazards, implement control measures, and monitor and enforce compliance with required standards and regulations.

All Permit Holders directing the use of radiation, radiation-emitting devices, or radioactive materials will:

• Meet all requirements as outlined in the Radiation Safety Program and the conditions in their respective permits.

All persons using radioactive materials, radiation-emitting devices, or radiation will:

• Know and follow all procedures in the University of Regina Radiation Safety Program or Safeguards Program, as applicable, and all relevant site-specific procedures.
• Have appropriate training as determined by the Radiation Safety Officer.
• Use the ALARA principle to guide all their actions and decisions, thereby minimizing exposure of themselves or others to radiation, radiation-emitting devices, or radioactive materials.
• Conduct throrough risk assessments for use of radiation, radiation-emitting devices, or radioactive materials.
• Ensure that radioisotope laboratories and storage areas are locked, and that no unauthorized person is given access to radioactive materials.
• Ensure that radiation-emitting device laboratories, facilities, and storage areas are locked, and that no unauthorized person is given access to devices/equipment.

All persons using laser systems and/or high-power lasers will:

• Meet all requirements as outlined in the Laser Safety Program.

All members of the University community are responsible for:

• Following the directions of all radiation warning signs or instructions.
• Keeping out of unauthorized areas. 

Consequences for Noncompliance

All members of the University community are subject to the requirements of this policy. Violations place the University at significant risk and are subject to appropriate corrective administrative, academic or non-academic discipline and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of the member’s position with the University, or in the case of a student, an academic suspension. Significant legal penalties may also be assessed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and The Saskatchewan Employment Act under the authority of applicable radiation specific Acts and Regulations.

Processes

Related Information

• Radiation Safety Program (1.47 MB)
• Laser Safety Program (805 KB)
• Safeguards Program (216 KB)