Risk Management Services offers a comprehensive course in the safe handling of open radioactive sources. The completion of the course is mandatory for all faculty, staff, visiting scientists and students prior to using radioactive materials at UBC.

The course meets the basic training requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and consists of two lecture sessions of three-hour duration plus a three-hour laboratory practical session that includes a final exam. Failure to attend both lectures and the practical session precludes certification.

The fundamentals of radiation physics are briefly covered, but the greater emphasis of the course is placed on practical handling techniques, health hazards, record keeping, legal requirements, purchasing of isotopes, spill management and waste disposal.

A certificate is awarded to those individuals who successfully complete the course (minimum pass mark is 75%). Non-UBC individuals are charged $750 (cost includes manual and laboratory materials; GST is not charged).

Location

The lectures are usually held at the UBC Hospital Detwiller Lecture Theatre, ground floor, University Hospital, UBC site.

Requirements

Prior to the first session, please download a copy of the course reference manual from Forms and Publications. Hard copies are also available at the lecture theater for $20.00.

All registrants are required to bring a lab coat for the hands-on spill clean-up session; a scientific calculator is necessary for the written exam.

Presentations from our last Radiation Safety Course, held in September 2011:

• Day One:   Introduction
• Day Two: Part I   The Practical Stuff
• Day Two: Part II   Radiation Safety in the Working Environment
• Day Two: Part III  Signage and Waste Management