Services
The Unit undertakes a number of services to assist those working with radiation and to represent the University to outside organisations
Radiation safety training
Radiation protection safety courses provided by the Unit.
Training
Waste collection
We organise the collection and disposal of solid and non-aqueous-liquid radioactive waste. Disposal of combustible waste is by a scheduled bimonthly collection. Non-combustible waste is by prior arrangement. Pdf copies of RP COP009 - Waste Disposal are available from the Radiation Protection Unit.
Instrument and leak testing
We undertake the annual statutory test of all the University’s radiation monitors. Testing follows the UK National Physical Laboratory’s guidelines. We also undertake most of the statutory testing of sealed radioactive sources for leakage.
Qualified Expert
The enforcing authority for the Radioactive Substances Act in Scotland is the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The SEPA require those who dispose of radioactive material to appoint a Qualified Expert to advise on compliance with the Certificate of Authorisations. We act in this capacity, including where necessary undetaking the preparation of appropriate radiological discharge assessments.
Statutory recording and reporting
Radiation protection is heavily regulated, and requires a great deal of recording and statutory reporting within and outwith the University. The RPU undertakes this work for the University as a whole. Further details on the nature of the data recorded is available on request from the RPU.
Liaison with Enforcing Authority
The main enforcing authorities for the University’s work with radioactive material and ionising and non-ionising radiation is the Health and Safety Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The RPU acts as the central and primary contact with these two authorities.
Auditing
The Radiation Protection Unit carry out occasional audits and inspections of work involving ionising and non-ionising radiation within the University.
Accredited Radiation Protection Adviser
Mark Green is the Accredited Radiation Protection Adviser for the University.
External Consultancies
The URPA has various Consultancy agreements with external Insitiutions to provide Radiation Protection advice and guidance.
Projects
The RPU undertake ad-hoc radiation safety projects both internally and externally.