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News and training for radiation workers at Northwestern
University Number
65 September, 2003
Annual Refresher Training
What Authorized Investigators Need to Know
Authorized investigators are responsible for
ensuring that their radiation workers receive annual refresher training in
radiation safety. The purpose of the training is to reinforce their
understanding of the work practices, operational and engineering controls that
are necessary to work safely with ionizing radiation.
The following resources are available to you.
·
Each NUtrino newsletter is a potential
training tool. Radiation workers can read it and sign the training form on the
back. Put the signed NUtrinos in a
binder along with the Radiation Safety
Handbook. IDNS inspectors know about the NUtrino and often ask radiation workers or authorized investigators
if they are aware of it and utilize it. All past issues of the Nutrino since December, 1996 are available
on the ORS web site at http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/nutrino/index.htm.
·
The Radiation Safety Handbook is worth re-reading
once a year. ORS provides it to every radiation worker and it is available
on the ORS web site at http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/radwor/Rad-Radiation_Safety_Handbook-v1.4.pdf.
Ask your radiation workers to read it, and then discuss it at a group meeting.
Keep a written record of attendees, the date, and the subject matter.
·
Your Application to Possess and Use Radioactive
Material contains specific descriptions of the safety policies and
procedures you are committed to follow. Each radiation worker should be aware
of those commitments.
·
The radiation
safety videotape that ORS shows to new radiation workers could serve as a
refresher training tool. It is general in nature, but combining it with
laboratory-specific information and the opportunity to interact directly with
ORS staff results in a complete refresher training package.
You can create an annual refresher training
package that suits your needs. Select a convenient, standard date. Keep in mind
that if it is not documented it might as well not have been done. Merely
handing someone written material may not be sufficient; radiation workers
should have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and have their questions
answered. ORS staff can help you with your training needs, but it is up to you
to make it happen.
Use this NUtrino as a training tool for new workers and required
annual refresher training for current workers. Circulate it among the radiation
workers in your group and have them sign and date the training form on the
back. File it with your authorization and other radiation safety documents for
review during regulatory inspections. Discuss it during laboratory meetings. We
have back issues, or you can print them off the web at
http://www.northwestern.edu/research-safety/rad/nutrino/index.htm.
Office for Research Safety - Office for Research -
Radiation Safety Committee
Ward B-106 Chicago Campus, phone
3-8300
Tech NG71 Evanston Campus, phone 1-5581