Training Series Part VI: Ionizing Radiation

Subpart: D – Occupational Health & Environmental Controls

OSHA Standard: 1926.53

Occurrence: When using radioactive or x-rays in the workplace.

Frequency: Initial assignment and as conditions or roles change.

Training Style: If under the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Competent and Licensed. If not under the NRC: competent person training.

Background:
Ionizing radiation is one of the two categories of radiation. Ionizing radiation can be found anywhere in the natural environment. It comes from space, from the sun, and from naturally occurring radioactive elements in the earth (radon is one example). One example of radioactive elements in the earth is Radon. Radon can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas such as crawlspaces, basements, mines, and tunnels. Ionizing radiation can also come from manmade sources such as nuclear power plants and x-ray machines. The main sources of ionizing radiation are x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons.

Employer Responsibilities:
Any activity which involves the use of radioactive materials or X-rays, whether or not under license from the NRC, shall be performed by competent persons specially trained in the proper and safe operation of such equipment. In the case of materials used under Commission license, only persons actually licensed, or competent persons under direction and supervision of the licensee, shall perform such work.  
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Employee Responsibilities:
Ensure that they are complying with the competent training if working with ionizing radiation. Ensure they have the equipment in proper repair if doing background sampling.
 
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