Radiation protection officer

Description

Radiation protection officers are responsible for the protection from harmful effects caused by exposure to ionising radiation. They ensure compliance with legislation and regulations by enforcing safety measures. Furthermore they develop radiation protection plans in particular for nuclear plants and facilities.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to radiation protection officer:

radiation protection supervisor
radiation protection advisor
radiation protection team leader
radiation protection manager

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as radiation protection officer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Radiation protection officer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Radiation protection officer career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to radiation protection officer.

nuclear engineer
waste treatment engineer
emergency response coordinator
waste management officer
environmental policy officer

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of radiation protection officer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of radiation protection officer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of radiation protection officer.

Radioactive contamination: The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants’ concentration.
Radiation physics in healthcare: The radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations and radiation hazards.
Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
Nuclear legislation: Be familiar with European, national and international legislation regarding the practice of nuclear activities.
Pollution prevention: The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.
Nuclear energy: The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.
Radiation protection: The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
Nuclear physics: Field of physics in which protons and neutrons and their interactions inside atoms are analysed.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of radiation protection officer.

Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
Perform risk analysis: Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation’s functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
Apply radiation protection procedures: Inspect rules related to ionising radiation and ensure these abide by the Medical Exposure Directive (MED).
Advise on pollution prevention: Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
Design strategies for nuclear emergencies: Develop and oversee the implementation of strategies which aim to prevent equipment malfunctions, errors, and contamination risks in nuclear facilities, and which outline response actions in the event of a nuclear emergency.
Develop radiation protection strategies: Develop strategies for facilities and organisations which are at risk for exposure to radiation or radioactive substances, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities, for the protection of people within the premises in case of risk, as well as the minimisation of radiation exposure during working operations.
Follow nuclear plant safety precautions: Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.
Instruct employees on radiation protection: Explain the various legal and operational measures established in the company against radiation, such as reducing exposure time and wearing protective gear, to the employees and communicate the emergency procedures.
Monitor nuclear power plant systems: Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.
Respond to nuclear emergencies: Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.
Monitor radiation levels: Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.
Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations: Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.
Calculate exposure to radiation: Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of radiation protection officer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Contamination exposure regulations: The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.
Pollution legislation: Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of radiation protection officer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Investigate pollution: Identify the cause of pollution incidents, as well as its nature and the extent of the risks, by performing tests on the site of pollution as well as in a laboratory and performing research.
Inspect compliance with hazardous waste regulations: Inspect an organisation’s or facility’s strategies which deal with the management of hazardous waste in order to ensure that their actions are compliant with relevant legislation and that measures are taken to improve protection from exposure, and ensure health and safety.
Assess contamination: Analyse evidence of contamination. Advise on how to decontaminate.
Avoid contamination: Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.
Inspect government policy compliance: Inspect public and private organisations to ensure proper implementation and compliance with government policies which apply to the organisation.
Monitor disposal of radioactive substances: Ensure correct management and disposal of radioactive substances used for medical purposes, in compliance with established procedures.
Test safety strategies: Test policies and strategies related to risk and safety management and procedures, such as testing evacuation plans, safety equipment, and carrying out drills.
Investigate contamination: Perform tests to investigate the properties of contamination in an area, or on surfaces and materials, in order to identify the cause, its nature, and the extent of the risk and damage.

ISCO group and title

2263 – Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Radiation protection officer – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022