What is Radiation?

• Radiation is energy traveling in the form of waves or particles.
• It can come from many different sources including X-rays, lasers, sunrays, microwaves, electric and magnetic fields, nuclear substances (radioactive materials).

Legislation

• The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates the nuclear industry in Canada. The regulatory system is designed to protect people and the environment from licensed sources of artificial radiation resulting from the use of nuclear energy and materials.
• The University of Western Ontario currently has four nuclear radiation licences issued by the CNSC. These CNSC licences are operating and servicing under Nuclear Safety and Control Act, Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations, Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations and other applicable Regulations.

Western Nuclear Radiation Safety Program

• Administered by the Radiation Safety Coordinator, supported by the Senior Management (Human Resources and Vice President – Administration) and governed by the Radiation Safety Committee.
• Designated to keep radiation exposures to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) by:
  • Management control over work practices
  • Personnel qualification and training
  • Control of occupational and public exposure to radiation
  • Ascertain the quantity and concentration of any nuclear substance released a result of the licensed activity