Radiation safety

Researchers, staff and students may find themselves using or working in an area close to potentially hazardous sources of radiation. We provide technical expertise and support to ensure the continued safety of all members of the university community and compliance with federal and provincial regulations.

Radionuclides

The UVic radiation safety program works to ensure the safe and knowledgeable handling of radiation hazards in teaching and research environments.

• Individuals (permit holders, students, staff) working with radionuclides are required to attend radiation safety training. 
• Please contact the radiation safety officer (RSO) to coordinate survey meter calibrations. You can refer to the guideline for how to use your survey meter and conduct a pre-operational check.
• All industrial radiography conducted on campus needs prior approval from the RSO before commencing work. 

For more information, please contact Troy Hasanen, radiation safety officer (RSO) or 250-721-8875. 

Create your permit

• Faculty members must apply for a radionuclides permit prior to purchasing, using, or storing radioactive materials.
• Users must be a valid permit holder or authorized personnel listed on a radionuclides permit.

Click to access or update your radionuclides permit:

X-rays

The x-ray safety program facilitates and ensures the knowledgeable safe use of x-ray emitting devices. The program establishes a set of requirements and procedures for x-ray equipment purchases, facility requirements, training, exposure monitoring, laboratory security and equipment inspections. 

X-ray safety training is required for all x-ray equipment users. Students and staff who work in a lab that contains x-ray equipment, but will not be working with the equipment, are encouraged to complete the  x-ray safety training.

For more information, please contact Troy Hasanen, RSO.

Registration of X-ray equipment

All equipment at the University of Victoria that is capable of producing x-rays must be registered with OHSE.

To register your equipment, please contact the RSO.

Lasers

All Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are registered through the UVic Laser Safety Program offered by OHSE. The program is designed to provide students, staff and faculty with the knowledge to work safely around Class 3B and 4 laser systems. The program is held to the standards of provincial regulations (WorkSafeBC) and standards (ANSI).

Due to the potential hazards of working or in the vicinity of high risk laser radiation, all Class 3B and Class 4 laser operators are required to complete general laser safety training in addition to supplemental laser-specific training provided by their supervisor.

For more information, please contact Paraskevi Lagaditis, laser safety officer (LSO) or 250-721-8876.

Medical surveillance

It is recommended that individuals operating a Class 3B or 4 laser and have successfully completed laser safety training request a baseline eye exam prior to starting work with lasers. 

Individuals not operating, but working in vicinity of Class 3B or Class 4 lasers should contact the LSO to discuss if a baseline eye exam is required. An online laser safety awareness course is also available. 

Registration & inventory

All Class 3B and Class 4 lasers/laser systems at UVic are required to be registered with OHSE in order to provide an adequate laser safety program for users.

Click to access or update your laser registration & inventory:

Guidelines & resources

• Laser Safe Operating Procedure (LSOP) template
• Laser cutter safety
• Laser cutter materials
• Laser pointer safety guidelines

Ultraviolet radiation

The UVic radiation safety program also includes the use and handling of ultraviolet radiation (also referred to simply as UV light). Prolonged exposure to UV light can result in acute and chronic health effects in particular to the eyes and skin. Ensure engineering and administrative safety controls are in place to limit or mitigate exposure to UV light. 

For more information and consultation, please contact ohs@uvic.ca or 250-721-8971.

Radiation safety committee

The University of Victoria Radiation Safety Committee is a regulatory committee, reporting to the Vice-President Finance and Operations; following the terms of reference. 

The committee is responsible for consulting on regulatory issues and reviewing for approval proposed uses of ionizing radiation, x-rays, Class 3B and Class 4 lasers in accordance with federal/provincial regulations and standards including WorkSafeBC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.