Radiation Safety Program

The Radiation Safety Program applies to all persons under the auspices of the University of Calgary directing or involved in the acquisition, use and disposal of radioactive materials, and X-ray and laser radiation emitting devices as defined in federal and provincial legislation/guidelines (see Legislation below).

 

The University of Calgary Radiation Safety Program is designed to promote and monitor compliance with acts, regulations, orders, standards and guidelines published by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Alberta Labour and immigration - Radiation Health.

 

All questions and inquiries regarding radiation safety should be directed to radsafe@ucalgary.ca

Environment, Health and Safety offers radiation safety training.

  1. Radiation Safety and Procedures Manual

    The University of Calgary has developed a Radiation Safety Manual to provide guidance to ensure a safe working/learning environment and for compliance.

    View

  2. X-ray Safety Manual

    The University of Calgary has established the X-ray Safety Manual for radiation emitting devices.

    View

  3. Laser Safety Manual

    The University of Calgary has developed the Laser Safety Manual to ensure that persons are aware of the hazards associated with the use of the laser or the hazards involved in working in the laser controlled area.

    View

Radioactive Materials include nuclear substances, both unsealed and sealed radioactive sources, and radiation devices which contain sealed radioactive sources as defined in the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

  1. Radioisotope Permit

    Principle Investigators responsible for a laboratory or facility must obtain a Radioisotope Permit from the Radiation Safety Committee prior to purchasing, handling or storing nuclear substances and/or radiation devices. PIs must keep their Radioisotope Permit current as to radioisotopes and locations.

    Contact radsafe@ucalgary.ca to initiate the process.

  2. Nuclear Substance and Radiation Devices Licenses

    Location of the license and any record referred to in the license:

  3. Security Clearance – Gammacells®

    Security clearance is required prior to the use of certain Radioactive Materials such as Gamma cells as outlined in Security of Nuclear Substances: Sealed Sources and Category I, II and III Nuclear Material.

    Contact radsafe@ucalgary.ca to initiate the process.

Principle Investigators responsible for a laboratory or facility must follow the Radiation Emitting Devices (X-ray Units and Laser) Safety Program prior to purchasing, handling or storing of X-ray and all laser equipment as defined in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and OHS Code. A Certification of Registration must be in place prior to the use of X-ray and Class 3B and 4 laser equipment, i.e. designated radiation equipment.

  1. X-ray Safety Training Presentation

    Required training for all persons directing or involved in the operation of X-ray equipment for research and teaching purposes. Review and document on Laboratory Health and Safety Orientation and Training Record. View

     

  2. Laser Safety Training Presentation

    Required training for all persons directing or involved in the operation of laser equipment for research and teaching purposes. Review and document on Laboratory Health and Safety Orientation and Training Record. View

  3. Registration of X-ray Units and Class 3B/4 Laser Equipment

    The inspection and registration of radiation equipment is administered by Authorized Radiation Protection Inspection Agencies and Authorized Radiation Health Registration Agencies, respectively. The University of Calgary is an Authorized Radiation Protection Inspection Agency and Authorized Radiation Health Registration Organization for certain designated radiation equipment owned and operated under the auspices of the University of Calgary for non-medical or non-veterinarian purposes. 

    Contact radsafe@ucalgary.ca to initiate the process.

    List of Authorized Radiation Protection Inspection Agencies and Authorized Radiation Health Registration Agencies can be found:

    https://www.alberta.ca/radiation-agencies-organizations.aspx

Principal Investigators responsible for a laboratory or facility must follow the Radiation Safety Program prior to obtaining, handling, or storing nuclear material subject to Safeguards or Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) based on the regulations outlined.

Contact radsafe@ucalgary.ca to initiate the process.

  1. Safeguards

    Nuclear material subject to safeguards includes special fissionable material from which nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices could readily be made (e.g. plutonium-239; uranium-233; uranium enriched in the isotopes 235 or 233) and source material (e.g. natural uranium, depleted uranium or thorium), which cannot be directly used for nuclear weapons.  REGDOC-2.13.1 Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy outlines the requirements and guidance for licensees who:

    • possess nuclear material, which is defined as: plutonium-239, uranium-233, uranium enriched in the isotope of 235 or 233, uranium containing the mixture of isotopes occurring in nature, uranium depleted in the isotope 235, and thorium, and/or
    • operate a uranium and/or thorium mine, and/or
    • carry out nuclear-related manufacturing activities as specified in Appendix A: List of Declarable Nuclear-Related Manufacturing Activities, and/or
    • engage in nuclear fuel cycle-related research and development activities as defined in Appendix B: list of Nuclear Fuel Cycle-Related Research and Development Activities

  2. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)

    NORM is defined as rock or soil found in nature that contain radionuclides.  NORM at elevated levels require radiation control and regulation. Health Canada - Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) Revised 2011 outlines the criteria for industries to determine the requirements for managing NORM. 

  1. Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices

    • Nuclear Safety and Control Act
    • General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
    • Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations
    • Radiation Protection Regulations
    • Security of Nuclear Substances: Sealed Sources and Category I, II and III Nuclear Material
    • Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations
    • Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy
    • Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)

  2. Radiation Emitting Devices (X-ray Units and Lasers)

    • Radiation Emitting Devices Act
    • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code 

The Radiation Safety Committee is comprised of six researchers who may include the designate of the Vice President (Research) and the designate of the Provost and Vice President (Academic), and who are preferably Radioisotope Permit Holders or individuals directly responsible for the radioactive work performed by laboratory personnel representing a cross section of departments and research groups. This committee advises the Vice President (Finance and Services) i.e. licensee on radiation safety matters in general and the effectiveness of radiation protection programs within the organization in particular.

  1. Terms of Reference

    See EHS-RAD-0196 University of Calgary Terms of Reference Radiation Safety Committee in the Radiation Safety & Procedures Manual

  2. Membership

    As of 2023.08.21

    View

  3. University Radiation Safety Officer

    Megan McDonald

    radsafe@ucalgary.ca