Radiation users
If you can't find the information you are looking for, or for information on radiation use in specific departments, talk to your Radiation Safety Officer.
Radiation Management Plans
If your area has a Radiation Management Plan (RMP), it will include:
- Monash’s radiation safety requirements
- local procedures specific to your area
Training
Online courses available in myDevelopment:
- Radiation Safety Principles – for all staff and students working with sealed radiation sources or X-rays (unless an alternate training requirement has been set with the approval of the University Radiation Protection Officer).
- Unsealed Radioactive Materials Safety Principles – for all staff and students working with unsealed radioactive isotopes.
Additional training is provided by:
- laboratory supervisors (location and use of local risk assessments, monitors, personal protective equipment and equipment and procedures)
- local safety personnel, experts or HSW Consultant/Advisor (departmental training)
Personal monitoring
If you work with ionising radiation, you may be issued a personal dosimeter (OSL badge). Contact your RSO to arrange this or check your results. You may also need a finger badge, depending on your risk assessment.
Starting or changing radiation work
Before starting new work or modifying existing practices:
- Complete required training.
- Complete or update your risk assessment.
- Confirm personal monitoring requirements.
- Check facility suitability - laboratories are classified based on the type of radiation source that’s used and the level of finishes and facilities available.
- Consult your RSO.
- Follow safe work instructions, or develop new ones if needed.
Storage and shielding
Radioactive sources must be stored:
- so that emission levels are below 0.5 microsievert/hour in public areas
- with secondary containment to prevent contamination
- in secure locations to prevent loss or misuse.
Contact your RSO for specific advice.
Waste disposal
Follow your lab or unit’s waste disposal rules. Speak with your supervisor for guidance.
Pregnancy and radiation work
If you’re pregnant and work with radiation, you may be able to continue if you feel comfortable. Your tasks will be assessed and monitoring frequency may increase.
For support, speak with:
- your RSO
- University Radiation Protection Officer – Margaret Rendell
- your treating GP or specialist
Also see our page on pregnancy and work.
Using uranium and thorium
Possession of uranium or thorium (including salts like uranyl acetate or thorium nitrate) is regulated under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987.
For more details, see Section 8: Safeguards Material in the Using Chemicals Procedure.
Need help?
Contact Health, Safety & Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu