Information For Radiation Safety Officers

A radiation safety officer is appointed by the head of an academic/administrative unit to manage occupational health and safety issues associated with radiation hazards in the unit.

The responsibilities of a radiation safety officer include:

• overseeing the purchase of radioactive substances for the unit;
• maintaining registrations of sources of ionising radiation;
• maintain personal monitoring programs for users of radioactive substances;
• providing advice, information, instruction and training on the local use, storage, transport and disposal of radioactive substances;
• assisting with risk management of hazards and risks associated with radioactive substances;
• formulating and implementing occupational health and safety policies and procedures with regard to radioactive substances;
• reviewing the radiation safety aspects of new research projects and teaching activities;
• providing the initial response to, and investigation of, accidents and emergencies involving radioactive substances, including reporting to the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO), Occupational Health and Safety and assisting with the development of corrective actions;
• liaising with the RPO, Occupational Health and Safety , the zone OHS&E committee and the head of unit or controlled entity;
• consulting with local health & safety representatives on occupational health and safety issues regarding radioactive substances;
• maintaining records related to the purchase, use, storage, transport and disposal of radioactive substances;
• monitoring occupational health and safety  standards and compliance with occupational health and safety  policies and procedures at a local level with regard to radioactive substances;
• auditing and analysing the occupational health and safety legislative compliance of the unit or controlled entity with regard to radioactive substances, including reporting breaches of compliance to the RPO; and
• assisting with the promotion of ionising radiation safety awareness.

Documents Useful To Radiation Safety Officers

Documents include:

OHS Resources Available For Radiation Safety Officers

• Your local OHSE consultant
• Listing of departmental Safety Officers
• Occupational Health and Safety documents 
• Occupational Health and Safety forms 
• Your health & safety representative/deputy health & safety representatives 
• Occupational Health and Safety training courses 

Training courses can also be tailored to meet the needs of individual departments/schools or campuses.

• Chemical safety information
• Radiation safety information
• Employee induction program

Occupational Health and Safety can be contacted on (03) 9905-1013 or by email

Training Recommended For Radiation Safety Officers

• Radiation Safety - Unsealed Sources (CD-ROM)