Procedure to Become a Radiation Equipment Operator

Stage One

1. Notify the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) of your intention to become a radiation equipment operator by completing a "Radiation Worker Sign Up" form. This form may be obtained at the Environmental Health Office at 029 Lyman Hall, ext. 4132.
2. If you have previously worked with ionizing radiation, complete a Radiation Exposure History Request form. This signed form will allow the University to request and receive your exposure history from your previous employer.
3. Schedule a time with the Environmental Health office, (X-9130), to view videotapes on the radiation hazards associated with X ray equipment, and the biological effects of ionizing radiation.
4. Sign up at the Environmental Health Office and attend the next radiation safety training session (offered as needed). This session covers rules, regulations, and general radiation safety procedures as well as monitoring devices. This session generally lasts approximately three hours and is mandatory for every new radiation-producing equipment operator.
5. Take an examination which evaluates your understanding of the elements of the University's Radiation Protection Program, fundamentals of analytical x-rays, radiation terminology, related rules and regulations, risk assessment and biological effects.
6. Schedule a meeting with the RSO to review your examination results and go over any questions you may have.
7. Upon the successful completion of these requirements you will be granted conditionally approved radiation equipment operator status and issued a dosimeter. Work with ionizing radiation-producing equipment may then be performed only under direct supervision of the RES.
   

   Stage Two

8. Prior to operating any radiation-producing equipment, complete a radiation equipment laboratory orientation with your radiation equipment supervisor or an approved radiation equipment operator. Document this training on the "Laboratory Orientation" form and return the completed form to the RSO, room 029 Lyman Hall.
9. Complete the "Analytical X-ray Procedural Training" with your RES. This training is specific to the equipment that will be used and should be completed in detail. Upon completion of the training return the signed form to the RSO, room 029 Lyman Hall.
10. Once you have satisfactorily completed the above process, you will be granted approved radiation equipment operator status. This approval is equipment specific. You may only operate the equipment that you have been trained and approved to operate.
11. If you wish to use another piece of radiation-producing equipment, you must contact the RSO and complete "Equipment and Procedural Training" specific to the new piece of equipment and a "Laboratory Orientation" (as appropriate).

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