Course list

Information on courses provided by the Radiation Protection Unit.

Ionising radiation training

Duration: ½ day

This course provides delegates with an overview of safe working with ionising radiation in teaching and research at the University of Edinburgh. It is provided for those persons who intend to work substantially unsupervised with a source of ionising radiation. All persons must complete the Introduction and Regulation modules followed by the application module relevant to their work. The modules, along with an overview of their content, are shown below.

Introduction ModuleRegulation ModuleApplication Module A: Unsealed SourcesApplication Module B: Sealed Sources
Scientific backgroundPrinciple legislation (IRR17 & EASR)External and internal radiation hazardExternal radiation risk
Radiological unitsResponsibilities and organisationContamination controlControl/accountancy of sources
Principle types of hazard & riskRegulatory & University 
arrangements		Radioactive wasteLeak testing
Measuring the hazardEnforcement bodies and 
powers		  

Duration: ½ day

This course provides delegates with an overview of safe working with ionising radiation in veterinary diagnostic imaging and therapy at the University of Edinburgh. It is provided for those persons who intend to work with a source of ionising radiation in a veterinary application. All persons must complete the Introduction and Regulation modules followed by the application module relevant to their work. The modules, along with an overview of their content, are shown below.

Introduction ModuleRegulation ModuleApplication Module A: Veterinary RadiographyApplication Module B: Scintigraphy & I-131
Scientific backgroundPrinciple legislation (IRR17, EASR & BVA)X-rays and how they are generatedMethods used
Radiological unitsResponsibilities and organisationRisk associated with radiation generatorsType of radioactive substances used
Principle types of hazard & riskRegulatory & University arrangementsFactors affecting x-ray emissionRisks associated with each service
Measuring the hazardEnforcement bodies and powersAppropriate control measuresAppropriate control measures

Duration: 1.5 hours

This course provides delegates with an overview of the hazards and risks from working with analytical x-ray equipment at the University of Edinburgh. It is provided for those persons who intend to work unsupervised with enclosed x-ray cabinets. An overview of the course learning outcomes is shown below.

(1) Introduction to Radiation(2) Regulatory Background(3) Work with analytical x-ray equipment
The structure of matterNational legislationRadiation associated with analytical x-ray equipment
Different types of radiationUniversity organisational structureEngineering controls
Production of x-rays Procedural controls – risk assessment, user registration, alignment procedures, local rules
The effects of radiation on the body Measuring the risk
External radiation exposure Incidents and reporting

Duration: 1 hour

This course provides users with a general awareness of radiation and how to use gamma irradiators safely at the University of Edinburgh. The course does not provide any training on how to operate the irradiators; this training must be provided locally. An overview of the course learning outcomes is shown below.

  • Ionising radiation & sealed sources
  • Regulations
  • Hierarchy of controls
  • What is a Gamma Irradiator
  • Engineering Controls, Safety Features and Warning Devices
  • Administrative Controls
  • Security including personnel security

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

This course provides users who wish to transport radioactive substances as a consignor or carrier under the auspices of the University of Edinburgh. It is intended to provide delegates with an appreciation of the legislation surrounding the transport of radioactive substances and also the radiological hazards associated with such transport; including the control measures in place to minimise their potential radiation exposure. An overview of the course learning outcomes is shown below:

  • Radiation basics – exposure and harm
  • Legislative Background and duty-holders
  • Package types and package hierarchy
    o Excepted Packages
    o Type-A Packages
  • Transport Documentation
  • Emergency Arrangements
    o Contingency & Emergency Plans and Instructions in Writing
  • Simulated Exercise

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This training will be in-person so not available online.

This course provides additional training for those persons appointed to the role of Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) or Deputy/Area RPS for the University of Edinburgh. This course aims to satisfy the basic syllabus requirements outlined in the Health and Safety Executive’s RPS Information Sheet No.6 as well as providing local knowledge relevant to RPSs appointed to the role at the University of Edinburgh.

Training Courses 

Although the RPU have investigated creating an RPS Training Course, at the time of writing, we feel that completing training through a certified external provider will give the student a more rounded view of Radiation Protection and the responsibilities associated with being an RPS.

There are several external course providers who have RPS Training available. The following list is not exhaustive and the RPU do not have first-hand experience of taking any of these courses, we have merely compiled a list of well-established radiation protection companies that offer something suitable. In some cases the company may offer specific RPS training, e.g. sealed sources that would be more suitable to your role as an RPS. You will need to contact the company directly in most cases to enquire about prices.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

https://www.ukhsa-protectionservices.org.uk/rpt

AURORA

https://aurorahp.co.uk/training/

Ionactive

https://ionactive.co.uk/training

Radman

https://www.radman.co.uk/rps-training-courses/

RP Alba

https://www.radiationtrainingonline.com/

ARPS (Aberdeen Radiation Protection Services)

https://www.aberdeenradiation.co.uk/training/training-courses

CERAP

https://www.cerap.co.uk/radiation-protection/training/

University Specific Information

The RPU have created COP001 - Radiation Protection Supervisors. The most recent version of this document can be found on the RPU code of practice webpage.

This code of practice discusses:

  • Role of the RPS
  • Suitability for appointment as RPS
  • Training
  • Duties
  • Appointment as RPS in writing

The RPU may also be able to offer hands on/practical training if needed. Please send an email to radiation@ed.ac.uk to enquire.


Non-ionising radiation training

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

This course should be completed by all users of potentially hazardous lasers unless a specific alternative course is available (e.g. laser safety for users of laser microscopes). The training must be supplemented by practical training at local level (e.g. school/department) on the specific laser systems being used. Where a laser system is enclosed and inherently safe (for example, a laser cutter classified as a Class 1 laser product) this laser safety course may not be required; if in doubt, discuss with your local Departmental Laser Supervisor. The modules, along with an overview of their content, are shown below.

  1. Introduction to Laser Safety
    o Why is laser safety management important?
    o University arrangements
     
  2. The nature of laser radiation and how it can cause harm
    o What makes a laser
    o Laser beam & non-beam hazards
     
  3. Legislative Requirements
    o Legislation and how it applies at UoE
    o Standards and guidance
     
  4. Practical laser safety – 3 modules
    o Part 1: Risk Assessments and hierarchy of controls
    o Part 2: Implementation of engineering controls & administrative controls
    o Part 3: Personal Protective Equipment, incidents and grab cards
     
  5. Working with Open Beams
    o Justification
    o How to work safely with open beams

Duration: 30 minutes

This short training course is designed for end users working with laser microscopes and only for when they are used under routine or normal conditions of use. It is not suitable for those who carry out laser beam alignment or who are responsible for supervising others who work with lasers (these persons should complete the full university laser safety course as shown above).
Learning outcomes include:

  • Why is laser safety important?
  • RP Code of Practice 101 on non-ionising radiation
  • The Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Biological effects of laser radiation on the eye/skin
  • Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
  • Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD)
  • Engineering controls and safety systems on laser microscopes
  • What to do if something goes wrong
  • What to do before you begin work with laser microscopes
  • Do’s and don’ts when working with laser microscopes

Duration: 1 hour

This course is intended to provide delegates with a good understanding of the potential hazards associated with UV radiation exposure and the arrangements at the University to ensure persons can work safely with potentially hazardous UV sources.
It is intended to provide practical advice on how to consider the potential risk from common UV sources found in universities and how to comply with the legal requirements.

Learning outcomes include:

  • Examples of potentially hazardous UV sources at the University
  • The University’s arrangements surrounding UV safety, including the code of practice for non-ionising radiation
  • How UV radiation can harm us
  • Safe levels of UV exposure
  • How to carry out simple exposure assessments to determine if a UV source could be hazardous
  • How to carry out a risk assessment including control measures to consider and PPE.

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

This course is intended for all persons at the University of Edinburgh who may be working with potentially hazardous Electromagnetic Field (EMF) sources. The aim of the course is to provide a good understanding of EMF safety and the arrangements at the University of Edinburgh including how to identify potentially hazardous EMF sources.

  1. An introduction to EMF safety
    o Why is EMF safety important?
    o Examples of potentially hazardous sources
    o Legislation overview and University Code of Practice and arrangements
     
  2. The nature of EMF and how it can cause harm
    o The EMF spectrum and different frequencies associated with EMF
    o Direct and indirect effects and thermal / non-thermal effects and their differences
    o Employees at particular risk
    o Safe limits given in regulations
     
  3. Legislative requirements
    o Control of electromagnetic fields at work regulations 2016
    o Process for carrying out an EMF exposure assessment
    o How to apply exemptions to some EMF work at the University
     
  4. Practical EMF safety
    o New equipment and facilities
    o Exposure assessment examples, Action Plans and Risk Assessments
    o Hierarchy of control measures
    o Engineering, Administrative and Local Procedural controls including PPE
    o Some example EMF sources and arrangements required

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