What you need to know if you work with ionising radiation

If your work involves using radioactive materials or X-ray equipment, for example in scientific research or teaching, then you work with ionising radiation. To do this safely and responsibly, your unit must have obtained an internal authorisation from the Radiation Protection Unit (Stralingsbeschermingseenheid SBE) of the university’s Health, Safety & Environment OHS Service+ (VGM Arbodienst+) unit. When this authorisation has been obtained, you will then take a specific course on safe handling of radioactive materials or X-ray equipment.

Leiden University and the LUMC have a joint ‘complex permit’ for the use of radioactive materials and X-ray equipment that emits ionising radiation. Within the university, the Radiation Protection Unit (SBE) monitors the safe use of these materials and equipment. The SBE is responsible for issuing internal authorisations, as described in the appendix, and is part of the central Health, Safety & Environment OHS Service+ (VGM Arbodienst+) unit. The SBE comprises four radiation experts from VGM and the coordinating radiation expert from the Faculty of Science.

Course for radiological workers

Within the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Archaeology, the coordinating radiation expert (from the faculty’s Safety & Environment department; Arbo- en milieudienst AMD) plays a key role in ensuring safe working with ionising radiation. If you will be working with radioactive materials, such as 32-P or 14-C (Faculty of Science), or with X-ray equipment for non-destructive analysis (Faculty of Archaeology), for example, the coordinating radiation expert can tell you what requirements your activities must meet and which training course or programme is most appropriate. The coordinating radiation expert will also be able to assess whether the activities are compliant with the permit.

You can contact René Huinen, General Coordinator / Radiation Expert at Leiden University and the LUMC at 071 527 3253 or the Health and Safety Department (AMD) of the Faculty of Science.