Radiation Safety Program:

http://www.ucalgary.ca/safety/radiation

Researchers, Graduate Students and Staff may find themselves using or being near sources of radiation that are potentially hazardous.  The word "radiation" here can mean anything from microwave communication systems, to laser light, to X-rays, to subatomic emissions and particles from nuclear substances ("radioactive materials").  In high intensity or high exposure, each of these types of radiation has the potential to cause harm to an individual, either immediately like a burn from a laser or microwave, or as an increased potential risk of cancer.

Environment Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for providing training and information on the unique hazards from the types of sources and each form of radiation.  Licensing, acquisition and safe use of radiation sources, such as nuclear substances, comes under control of EHS. 

To this end the University of Calgary has developed a Radiation Safety Manual in order to provide guidance to ensure both a safe working / learning environment and to assist in the requirement for compliance to federal and provincial legislation / guidelines pertaining to acquisition, use and disposal of radioactive materials.

Links for frequently accessed information can be found below:

• Radioactive Materials Permit & Radiation Emitting Devices Registration
• Radioactive Spills and Decontamination Procedures
• Radioactive Laboratory Safety Audit - Questions

Click HERE for a listing of radioisotope safety training courses offered by EH&S.

Radiation Emitting Devices: 

The acquisition and use of radiation emitting devices is governed by the Provincial government. There is a registration and inspection process in place to ensure compliance with safety requirements for the radiation emitting devices. 

• Diagnostic or therapeutic x‑ray equipment;
• Computed tomography equipment;
• Diffraction and analysis x‑ray equipment;
• Cabinet x‑ray equipment;
• Baggage inspection x-ray equipment;
• Security x-ray equipment;
• Irradiation x-ray equipment
• Class 3b and 4 lasers

Questions may be directed to the University of Calgary Environment, Health and Safety:

Main Phone: (403) 220-6345
Fax: (403) 284-1332
Email: ucsafety@ucalgary.ca