Radiation Safety (Nuclear)

Western University has a Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to possess, transfer, import, export, use and store the nuclear substances, the radiation devices and the prescribed equipment. The University has established the Radiation Safety Program to comply with the Nuclear Safety and Control Acts and Regulations. The Radiation Safety Program structure includes the Senior Management, the Radiation Safety Coordinator and the Radiation Safety Committee.

The University issues the Internal Permits to a University employee who is the principle investigator or person in charge of the locations where the Nuclear Substances, the radiation devices or the prescribed equipment are used or stored.

All permit holders and workers listed on the permit must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete the Western University Radiation Safety Training Program: Basic Radiation Safety Training Course is mandatory and Refresher Training Course is required every three years. You may view the radiation safety awareness training material online. Be designated as Nuclear Energy Worker. Have an Internal Permit or work under an Internal Permit. Wear the required dosimeters (TLD badges) and participate in the required bioassay program. Be familiar with the Western University Radiation Safety Manual.
  2. Pregnant Nuclear Energy Worker must inform her Permit Holder and the Radiation Safety Coordinator as soon as she is aware of her condition.

Western University is committed to taking every reasonable precaution, as is practical, to maintain radiation exposure to staff, students and the public to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). The University Safety Program is designated to keep radiation exposures to ALARA by:

  1. Management control over work practices. Personnel qualification and training. Control of occupational and public exposure to radiation. Planning for emergency situations.
  2. Ascertain the quantity and concentration of any nuclear substance released as a result of the licensed activity.

TLD Badge wearers can check their exposure levels on the Mirion Technologies website by following the link and these instructions:

    • Go to "User Login" and enter your Username and Password and click GO
OR
  • Go to "New User Registration" and enter your Email address and your Unique Badge ID (located on the top left hand side of your TLD badge (e.g.0123456789)) and click GO
    • A Password will be sent to you by email
    • Go to User Login and use your new Password
    • You will have to change the Password at that time.

A RadioNuclide Information booklet is available at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission website. For access to other related forms, click on "Documents and Forms" from the bottom banner of this page and go to Forms> Health & Safety.

If you have any questions or require assistance please contact radsafety@uwo.ca.

Published on  and maintained in Cascade CMS.