Norwegian version of this page

Policy for radiation protection

It should be safe to work with radiation sources at the University. The principle that radiation exposure should be kept as low as practicable shall be applied.

Objectives

Working with radiation sources shall not cause unnecessary exposure of users or other persons, and the use of risk assessments and adequate training shall ensure this. Any use of radiation sources should be reported to the unit's management and the central radiation protection coordinator for the University at the HSE Unit.

Glossary

Radiation sources are the following radiation sources as defined in the Radiation Protection Regulations:

  • Radioactive sources (above the exemptions limit in the Radiation Protection Regulations)
  • Laser Class 3b and 4
  • UVC sources
  • X-ray apparatus
  • Accelerators
  • Magnetic field and other non-ionising radiation sources which may lead to the established limit values (in the regulations) being exceeded.

Work organisation

The University has a central radiation protection coordinator, who is part of the HSE team. The central radiation protection coordinator shall coordinate radiation protection work at the University and report to the University's senior management. The central radiation protection coordinator's tasks in relation to the radiation protection authorities are to:

  • be a contact for the authorities in connection with radiation protection inspections and accidents
  • compile applications to the relevant authorities
  • compile/coordinate reports to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority in accordance with applicable regulations and orders
    • annual report
    • notification of radiation sources
    • notification of accidents

Before work with radiation sources is initiated, the unit's management shall appoint a local radiation protection coordinator, who will:

  • coordinate local radiation protection (training, screens, protective clothing, etc.)
  • keep track of work in progress
  • have sufficient knowledge of the regulations
  • report the use of radiation to the unit's management and central radiation protection coordinator for the University
  • consult with the central radiation protection coordinator in the event of major changes (new laboratories, the use of large amounts of radioactivity, or the procurement of radiation-generating equipment)

Several local radiation protection coordinators can be appointed for a unit when appropriate. Whoever is designated as local radiation protection coordinator will report to the central radiation protection coordinator for the University.

Individuals working with radiation sources shall undergo the necessary training and follow the established procedures.

Risk assessment

All work with radiation sources should be risk assessed in writing before work commences and the risk assessment should be retained, cf. the Radiation Protection Regulations and the Internal Control Regulations.

Training

Everyone working with radiation sources must undergo training in radiation protection that meets the minimum regulatory requirements/recommendations. Training can have a general approach to radiation protection, but must include training in local procedures and routines. Anyone in or with access to the room where radiation sources are being used must also have adequate training. Training must be documented.

Reporting

The extent of radiation use must be reported annually by 15 February on the prescribed form to the unit's management and central radiation protection coordinator.

Acquisition and disposal of radiation sources (except open radioactive sources) must be continuously reported to the central radiation protection coordinator. Acquisition and disposal of open radioactive sources shall only be reported in the annual report.

Accidents and other adverse events should be reported to the unit's management and the central radiation protection coordinator.

The central radiation protection coordinator is responsible for reporting to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA).

References

See this page in Norwegian

Document ID

  • Compiled by: HSE Unit
  • Authorized by: Tove Kristin Karlsen for University Director Gunn-Elin Aa. Bjørneboe
  • Date of authorization: 26.09.2012
  • Version: 1
  • Case and document no. in ePhorte: 2012/11454-6
Published Mar. 13, 2013 9:12 AM - Last modified Jan. 21, 2019 2:22 PM