Radiation Safety

The use of radioactive materials and radiation apparatus is regulated by the Radiation Control Act (1990) (opens in a new window) and Radiation Control Regulation 2013 (opens in a new window) (and subsequent amendments) in New South Wales.

Objects of this Act are as follows:

  • (a) to secure the protection of persons and the environment from exposure to ionising and harmful non-ionising radiation to the maximum extent that is reasonably practicable, taking into account social and economic factors and recognising the need for the use of radiation for beneficial purposes,
  • (b) to protect security enhanced sources from misuse that may result in harm to people or the environment,
  • (c) to promote the radiation protection principles.

The Act requires that:

  • (a) the person responsible for regulated material must hold a radiation management licence in respect of the regulated material and must comply with any conditions to which the licence is subject,
  • (b) that users of radiation hold the appropriate User Licence (or an exemption in case of students).

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is the primary environmental regulator for New South Wales. Western Sydney University holds a Radiation Management licence to comply with the Radiation Control Act and obliged to ensure the safe storage, handling and disposal of radiation equipment/isotopes used in research/teaching and reporting to EPA on relevant occasions.

The Radiation Management Plan (opens in a new window) outlines the responsibilities and authorities governing the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation in accordance to the requirements of the relevant codes and legislations. This document applies to and must be complied to by all Western Sydney University staff and students involved, either directly or indirectly, in teaching/research using ionising/non-ionising radiation or radioactive material.

Additional information about radiation, radioactive substances and sources can be obtained from the Work Health, Safety & Wellbeing Unit (WHS&W) or the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

The guidelines will be regularly updated as required to incorporate newly introduced or revised legislation and/or Western Sydney University policies and procedures. The University community will be advised of future updates to the guidelines.

INCIDENTS RELATED TO RADIATION EXPOSURE/CONTAMINATION MUST BE REPORTED TO WHS & WELLBEING – IMMEDIATELY

WSU Radiation Safety Responsibilities

rad licence

Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President (Research, Enterprise & International)

  • Ensure Radiation Management Licence is current.
  • Ensure WSU complies to Radiation Control Legislation and any mandated codes of practice or guidelines.
  • Approval for procurement and disposal of Radioactive equipment/isotopes.

Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee (BRSC)

Email: BioSafetyRadiation@westernsydney.edu.au

  • Reviews and approves applications for research and teaching projects involved radiation apparatus and radioactive substances within the University and recommends to the University radiation safety policies.

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) - Bartolo Safety Management Services

  • Provides on-the-ground expertise for the enforcement of radiation safety policies.
  • Responsible for the provision of radiation safety training.
  • Responsible for the provision of personal monitoring badges.
  • Inspection of Radiation/Laser facility.
  • Verification of Procurement applications related to radiation equipment/isotopes.
  • Incident/accident investigation.

Work Health, Safety & Wellbeing (WHS&W)

Email: whs@westernsydney.edu.au

  • Renewal of Radiation Management Licence.
  • Liaises with the Regulator on behalf of the University.
  • First point of contact for all radiation users’ enquiries.
  • Organises Radiation training via Radiation Safety training.
  • Organises Personal monitoring badges via RSO.
  • Verification of Procurement applications related to radiation equipment/isotopes.
  • Inspection of Radiation facility.
  • Incident/accident investigation.
  • Record keeping:
    • Radiation Management licence
    • Radiation User licence
    • Student Exemption Forms
    • Records of Radioactive Equipment/Isotopes inventory
    • Records of disposal of radiation active equipment/isotopes.
    • Reports to EPA

Schools/Institutes

  • Keep records of:
    • User licences
    • Training and competency
    • Student Exemptions
    • Local inventory

Supervisors

  • Ensure Training.
  • Keep up to date with user licences.
  • Contact WHS & W for procurement approvals, disposal, or incidents/exposure to radiation.
  • Safe storage and handling of radioactive equipment/isotope to ensure safety and comply with EPA requirements.
  • Ensure adequate supervision as mentioned in the licence.
  • Keep records of:
    • User licences
    • Training and competency
    • Student Exemptions

Students

  • Ensure Training.
  • Keep up to date with user licences.
  • Contact WHS & W for procurement approvals, disposal, or incidents/exposure to radiation.
  • Safe storage and handling of radioactive equipment/isotope to ensure safety and comply with EPA requirements.
  • Ensure adequate supervision is requested.
  • Keep records of:
    • User licences
    • Training and competency
    • Student Exemptions

Pre-approval process Flow Chart: Procurement and Disposing Radioactive Equipment/Isotopes

Pre-approval process Flow Chart: Procurement and Disposing Radioactive Equipment/Isotopes
*Ongoing feedback on the information and advice contained in the webpage/guidelines is welcomed and can be directed to the Technical Officer, Laboratories, within the WHS&W unit.