TRAINING

Introduction

Basic Radiation Safety Training

Refresher Training

Support Staff Training

Sealed Source User Training

X-ray Machine User Training

Emergency Responder Training

1. INTRODUCTION

The Radiation Safety Committee requires that basic radiation safety training be completed before any person begins working with unsealed sources of radioactive materials, sealed sources, and/or x-ray units.  This training must cover the following topics:  Basic Units and Concepts, Regulatory Limits and Requirements, Dose and Exposure Control Techniques, and rules specific to the institution.  Consequently, training from other institutions cannot be accepted to meet the requirements of the University of Colorado Radioactive Materials License. 

2. BASIC RADIATION SAFETY TRAINING

Satisfactory completion of the University of Colorado’s basic radiation safety training is required by everyone planning to use unsealed or sealed radioactive materials and/or x-ray radiation.  It is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that radiation safety training is completed by laboratory personnel working with radioactive materials and/or radiation.  A final exam must be completed with a score of at least 70% to satisfy this requirement.  Researchers requesting dosimeters must complete this training before a dosimeter is issued.

The University’s basic radiation safety training for unsealed radioactive material is offered by Health Physics personnel and consists of computer-based training at the Health Physics Office in the Environmental Health and Safety Center.  This training is available by appointment.  Please call (303) 492-6523.

The following topics are addressed:  Basic Units and Concepts, Dose and Exposure Control, Regulatory Limits and Requirements, Safe use of Radioactive Materials, and a general overview of the University of Colorado Radiation Protection Program.  Information and techniques specific to a laboratory or experimental protocol is not covered under this training and should be provided by the Principal Investigator.

3. REFRESHER TRAINING

The Radiation Safety Committee requires all personnel using radioactive materials and/or radiation to complete refresher radiation safety training every three years.  A final exam must be completed with a score of at least 70% to satisfy this requirement.

Refresher training may be completed using the Radiation Safety Handbook, and may be submitted on-line at http://www.colorado.edu/radsafety. Alternatively, refresher training may be completed via computer-based training at the Health Physics Office in the Environmental Health and Safety Center or as self-study through campus mail.  Computer-based training is available by appointment.  Please call (303) 492-6523. 

4. SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING

Custodians and other personnel who may enter radiation laboratories are trained to recognize radioactive materials signs, labels, locations, and working safely in or around these areas.  Radiation safety training is provided as part of the initial training by Facilities Management Supervisors.

5. SEALED SOURCE USER TRAINING

The Radiation Safety Committee requires that users of sealed sources complete basic radiation safety training for sealed sources and complete self-study materials specifically addressing the concerns associated with sealed sources.  Both should be completed before a dosimeter is issued.  The final exam must be completed with a score of at least 70% to satisfy training requirements.  Sealed Source Training and the final exam are available on-line at http://www.colorado.edu/radsafety.

6. X-RAY MACHINE USER TRAINING

The Radiation Safety Committee requires that users of radiation-producing machines complete basic radiation safety training for x-ray machines and complete self-study materials specifically addressing the concerns associated with radiation-producing machines.  Both should be completed before a dosimeter is issued.  The final exam must be completed with a score of at least 70% to satisfy training requirements.  X-ray training and the final exam are available on-line at http://www.colorado.edu/radsafety.

7. EMERGENCY RESPONDER TRAINING

Emergency responders, such as the University of Colorado Police Department, EH&S, and Fire Departments are encouraged to attend a training course addressing radiation emergencies at the University of Colorado.  These classes are scheduled upon request.

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