Radiation Safety Refresher

Section 1: Introduction

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In order to work safely with radiation sources, a person must first understand some key concepts. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires training on radiation properties, safe handling, health precautions of, as well as the exposure control measures, emergency response and regulations pertaining to radioactive materials.

The University of Wyoming (UW) Radiation Safety program requires that supervised users of sealed radiation sources have the equivalent of four hours of radiation safety training. Supervised users of unsealed radioactive materials are required to have the equivalent of six hours of documented training. This class is designed as a refresher, to meet the minimum training requirements for a radiation worker who has previous radiation safety training and experience. All other workers are required to receive the full introductory radiation safety class from UW Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).

The on-line Radiation Safety Refresher is divided into seven sections:

1. Introduction
2. Background radiation
3. Basic concepts
4. Radiation interactions
5. Radioactive decay
6. Exposure control
7. Regulations

For your safety and the safety of others, an understanding of all these sections is considered essential for work involving radiation. There is a quiz at the end, so that we may document that certain important concepts have been communicated. Because this is a refresher, we do not dwell on basic scientific concepts and definitions. However, we include a glossary, and links to other web pages where you can find more information. Just follow the signs: