Cambridge
Academy
In London

Introduction

This 4-week intensive course is designed as a complete training pathway, progressing from fundamental principles of radiation physics and safety to advanced responsibilities of Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs), radioactive waste and transport management, and regulatory oversight. Participants will acquire integrated competencies across technical, operational, and regulatory dimensions, ensuring they are prepared to manage radiation safety in diverse contexts. The program combines theory, case studies, practical exercises, and assessments to strengthen knowledge, skills, and professional practice.

Target Audience

• Radiation Protection Officers and regulatory staff
• Engineers, technicians, and operators working with radiation sources
• Medical, industrial, and research professionals in radiation-related fields
• Waste management and transport personnel handling radioactive materials
• Compliance officers, auditors, and inspectors in regulatory authorities
• Professionals preparing for advanced leadership in radiation safety

Course Objectives

• Build a strong foundation in radiation physics, units, and biological effects
• Apply principles of radiation protection, ALARA, and safety culture in practice
• Develop advanced RPO skills in monitoring, risk assessment, and incident management
• Understand waste classification, pre-disposal handling, storage, and safe transport
• Apply IAEA SSR–6, FANR, and national regulatory requirements to waste and transport
• Gain experience in licensing, authorisation, inspection, and compliance auditing
• Learn from real-world case studies (e.g., Fukushima, Chernobyl) to strengthen safety oversight
• Demonstrate integrated competency through exercises, mock audits, and assessments

Course Content

Week 1: Fundamentals of Radiation Physics and Safety

Unit 1: Basics of Radiation Physics

• Atoms, nuclei, and structure of matter
• Types of radiation: alpha, beta, gamma, neutrons, X-rays
• Natural vs artificial radiation sources
• Interaction of radiation with matter
• Example: diagnostic radiology and nuclear energy applications

Unit 2: Radiation Units and Measurement

• Concepts of exposure, absorbed dose, and effective dose
• Units: Gray (Gy), Sievert (Sv), Becquerel (Bq)
• Dosimetry systems for monitoring workers and patients
• Survey meters (Geiger-Müller, ionization chambers)
• Example: interpreting workplace monitoring reports

Unit 3: Biological Effects of Radiation

• Deterministic vs stochastic effects
• Acute vs chronic health effects of exposure
• Radiosensitivity of organs and tissues
• International dose limits for workers and public
• Case example: occupational exposure in interventional radiology

Unit 4: Principles of Radiation Protection

• ALARA principle and optimization in practice
• Key strategies: time, distance, shielding
• Role of PPE and personal monitoring devices
• Area and workplace monitoring systems
• Example: protective protocols in nuclear medicine departments

Unit 5: Safety Frameworks

• IAEA Basic Safety Standards
• Overview of national radiation protection frameworks
• Role of regulatory bodies in safety oversight
• Safety culture as a foundational element
• Week 1 review and knowledge assessment

Week 2: RPO Responsibilities, Monitoring, and Risk Assessment

Unit 6: RPO Roles and Responsibilities

• Duties of RPOs under national regulations
• Developing and supervising site-specific RP programs
• Liaising with regulatory authorities
• Documentation and reporting responsibilities
• Example: RPO in a medical imaging facility

Unit 7: Monitoring and Surveys

• Workplace survey techniques
• Area monitoring vs personal monitoring programs
• Selection and calibration of monitoring instruments
• Record-keeping and reporting monitoring results
• Case study: survey of an industrial radiography site

Unit 8: Risk Assessment and Dose Evaluation

• Radiation risk assessment principles
• Exposure pathway analysis (airborne, ingestion, external)
• Internal vs external dose assessment methods
• Dose reconstruction and predictive modelling
• Practical exercise: dose evaluation based on workplace data

Unit 9: Incident Management and Reporting

• Classification of incidents and non-compliances
• Root cause analysis methodologies
• Corrective and preventive action planning
• Reporting requirements to regulatory authorities
• Case example: lessons from medical radiation incidents

Unit 10: Safety Culture and Training

• Role of RPOs in fostering strong safety culture
• Leadership, communication, and accountability for safety
• Training programs for radiation workers
• Continuous improvement and awareness campaigns
• Capstone activity: develop a safety training plan

Week 3: Radioactive Waste Management and Safe Transport

Unit 11: Radioactive Waste Fundamentals

• Waste types and classification: VLLW, LLW, ILW, HLW
• Sources of waste: medical, industrial, nuclear, NORM
• Factors influencing waste categorization
• Environmental and safety risks of poor waste management
• Case example: waste from radiotherapy and PET facilities

Unit 12: Waste Management Practices

• Segregation and minimization of waste
• Conditioning and treatment techniques (compaction, incineration, solidification)
• Decay-in-storage principles and best practices
• Facility storage design requirements
• Record-keeping and tracking of waste consignments

Unit 13: Transport of Radioactive Material

• Package types: IP, Type A, Type B, Type C
• Labelling, marking, and documentation requirements
• Responsibilities of consignors, carriers, and consignees
• Radiation dose management during transport
• Practical demonstration: preparing documentation for a sample consignment

Unit 14: Regulations and Compliance

• IAEA SSR–6 transport safety standards
• Overview of FANR and national codes for transport
• Licensing, permits, and inspection requirements
• Case study: transport non-compliance incident
• Enforcement mechanisms and penalties

Unit 15: Emergency Preparedness and Integration Exercise

• Response protocols for transport incidents
• Decontamination procedures for people, equipment, and environment
• Communication with authorities during emergencies
• Group exercise: classify, package, and document a mock consignment
• Week 3 review and assessment

Week 4: Regulatory Radiation Protection and Safety Management

Unit 16: International and National Frameworks

• IAEA safety standards and guidance documents
• Translation of global standards into national laws
• Legal and regulatory structures for radiation facilities
• Regulator independence, transparency, and accountability
• Example: regulatory framework in medical radiation

Unit 17: Regulatory Processes

• Licensing, authorization, and permit systems
• Facility classification and risk categorization
• Renewal and enforcement of regulatory obligations
• Example: licensing process for an industrial radiography facility
• Stakeholder engagement in regulatory processes

Unit 18: Safety Management Systems

• Components of RP management systems
• Leadership, roles, and responsibilities for compliance
• Documentation and record-keeping requirements
• Continuous improvement and performance monitoring
• Safety culture as a measurable regulatory requirement

Unit 19: Auditing and Inspections

• Inspection methodologies: announced and unannounced
• Use of audit checklists and compliance scoring
• Identifying, documenting, and escalating non-compliance
• Corrective and preventive action follow-up
• Practical exercise: simulated inspection of a research facility

Unit 20: Case Studies and Final Assessment

• Review of Fukushima and Chernobyl: regulatory lessons learned
• Application of incident findings to national frameworks
• Capstone exercise: mock facility audit simulation
• Group presentation of audit results and recommendations
• Final examination and feedback session