Radiation Safety
UNE is committed to maintaining the highest standards of radiation safety for all staff, students, and visitors who work with or may be exposed to ionising and non-ionising radiation sources. Under the NSW Protection from Harmful Radiation Act 1990 and in accordance with relevant codes and guidelines, UNE holds a current Radiation Management Licence and operates a radiation safety program.
Radiation sources at UNE are primarily used in research applications including soil and agricultural science, earth sciences, and analytical chemistry, with some teaching applications. This program ensures that all activities involving radiation apparatus and radioactive materials are conducted safely, comply with regulatory requirements, and follow ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) principles to minimise exposure risks.
The radiation safety program is managed by the Radiation Safety Reference Group (RSRG). The group’s primary functions are to:
- Contribute to the foundation of Work Health and Safety, environmental and hazardous substance consultation in the workplace, and assist with coordinating the implementation of these requirements across the University.
- Act as an administrative and consultative body that reviews the radiation safety of all uses of ionising radiation and radioactive substances within the organisation.
- Recommend the implementation of radiation safety policies within the organisation.
The Terms of Reference for the group are available on the Policies register.
Composition | Membership |
Chair of the RSRG (and back-up Radiation Safety Officer) | Chris Guppy |
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) | Richard Flavel |
Hazardous Substances Safety Advisor | Roland Helfer |
Technical Manager Science & Technology | Dan Ebert |
EBE Representative | Grant Prater |
Research Governance and Compliance Officer | Donnika Williams |
Radiation Safety Officer
The RSO closely monitors the radiation safety program at UNE and has the authority to stop any unsafe operations or proposed actions that come to their attention. The RSO at UNE is Associate Professor Richard Flavel, who can be reached via email at rflvael3@une.edu.au. Prior to each new experiment or experimental procedure, the RSO must be contacted to review protocols. This is also applicable if you intend to install new radioactive equipment or work with radioactive materials or apparatus at UNE. In complex cases, as determined by the RSO, approval from the RSRG may be required prior to proceeding.
Licenses
Individuals, or facilities, using or possessing radiation apparatus or radioactive substances must have a radiation licence from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). UNE is in possession of a current Radiation Management Licence, but individual users also need to obtain a User Licence in most cases. The RSO should be contacted for advice on this matter prior to beginning the application process with the EPA.
Registration
Prescribed radiation apparatus, sealed source devices and premises where a radioactive substance not contained in a sealed source device is kept or used must be registered with the EPA. UNE’s prescribed radiation register forms an integral part of the above EPA licence.
Signage
Appropriate radiation signage and wording must be conspicuously displayed at all entrances to facilities and in the immediate vicinity of the apparatus or substance (see AS2243.4 appendix E). Unauthorized persons shall not enter any radioisotope laboratory without supervision.
Useful Resources
