On Monday 1st February 2010 the Radiation Protection Service, in conjunction with local Radiation Protection Supervisors, will roll out key changes to the radiation governance structure and supporting systems for source control and waste management, worker registration, risk assessment and local rules etc.

Key changes include:

Existing Radiation Protection Supervisors -  these crucial roles will be renamed Radiation Safety co-ordinators in line with the new Health and Safety Co-ordinator roles; their basic duties and function will be unchanged. Radiation Safety co-ordinators will be appointed for a period of three years, usually by a Head of School or Dean and will receive intensive, but relevant, training every three years.

Line Managers (Principal Investigators, Research Group Leaders etc.) - who have radiation workers in their group, will be appointed as ‘Radiation Protection Supervisor’ for their group by the Head of School. Their sole responsibility will be to ensure that people within their remit comply with the requirements of their local rules.

The senior member of staff responsible for each radiation laboratory should identify the relevant person to coordinate local matters such as waste disposal, cleaning rotas, etc.

A radiation inventory system - will be used to provide cradle-to-grave source accountancy & management. In addition workers will apply for permits using the inventory, where they will also file their risk assessments. This should simplify and reduce the current administrative burden.

The Radiation Protection Service - will retain the authority to veto appointments.

Although the software and systems should run smoothly, there may initially be some difficulties as people become familiar with the new operations.

However, in redefining the Service we have been mindful of the need to reduce the administrative burden on academic staff and to simplify processes wherever possible.

Further advice – if you would like more information, support or guidance, please contact:

• Ian Haslam, Head of the Radiation Protection Service on i.k.haslam@leeds.ac.uk or x34203 or 07506 707 344
• or Andrew Cowling, Radiation Protection Officer on a.cowling@leeds.ac.uk or x34202 or 07506 707342