Radiation safety

Working with Unsealed Sources?

Unsealed (Open) Sources are a source of ionizing radiation in the form of radioactive material which is not encapsulated or otherwise contained (i.e., liquid or powder).

Next Session: January 13 th, 2025  

Registration closes on Jan. 13 th , 2025 at 9AM  

Radioisotope Safety Training for the use of radionuclides in research and teaching is offered every semester. Completion of the training course is mandatory for all faculty, staff and students who are new to SFU and who will be using radionuclides, regardless of previous training. The course meets the requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The Radiation Safety Training will be offered as a blend of online and in-person components, including the lecture, practical sessions, quizzes and the tutorial. The training covers the basic theoretical principles of radiation protection, SFU procedures for documentation of usage of radioactive material, disposal of resulting waste, personnel exposure, and contamination control as required by federal regulations. Instruction will also be provided in emergency response, decontamination techniques and the use of Liquid Scintillation Counter.

Participants are required to attend the lecture, the lab sessions, the tutorial and complete the quizzes in order to receive certification. 

The course is free for SFU faculty, staff and graduate students.

As per demand online training is available to off-campus participants at a cost of $175.00. For registration contact: rso-info@sfu.ca

Register here

Training offerings will be available as a blend of online and in-person, register through EHS Lab Safety training website.

• Lecture: online, opens on Monday Jan 13 th, 2025 
• Practical session: blend of online and in-person, @Hot lab B7249, Wednesday Jan 15 th, 2025,  select: 10 am - noon or 1:00 - 3:00 pm
• Tutorial: via Zoom, Friday Jan 17, 2025 at 11 am, link is embedded in the online canvas course
• Please submit quizzes by Friday Jan 17 2025,  10:00 am 

There will be a online quiz and a take-home quiz that will be graded. You will need the lecture notes and the Radiation Safety Manual for the quizzes. The manual can be downloaded from the Radiation Safety website.

Note: the mandatory Refresher training and PI training are available online (every 3 years).

For more information contact Jutta Haunerland (ph: 778.782.3633; email: rso-info@sfu.ca)

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Working with Sealed Sources?

Sealed Sources are a radioactive source that is in a sealed capsule or in a cover to which the substance is bonded. The capsule or cover is strong enough to prevent contact or dispersion of the radioactive substance. 

Sealed Sources in a Device are a sealed radioactive sources that are installed in a device. It is designed to allow the source to move safely in and out of its shielded device. 

Online, on-demand

Radiation Safety Training – Sealed Sources and Portable Gauges 

Register here

Important: workers who may not use gauges but who may work in proximity of gauges must also complete this training.

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Working with Portable Gauges?

Please note that SFU's consolidated license issued by the CNSC does not include portable gauges. If researchers at SFU require the purchase, possesion or storage of a portable gauge the RSO (rso-info@sfu.ca) must be  contacted well in advance to apply for a required license amendment. The process takes a several months.

When working in the field with a portable gauge owned and operated by other institutions, companies etc., not affiliated  with SFU, training is mandatory when working in close proximity of gauges.

Please contact the RSO (rso-info@sfu.ca) for information.

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Portable Gauges measure moisture and compaction levels. They are used in a variety of industries, such as agriculture, construction and civil engineering.

Online, on-demand

Radiation Safety Training – Sealed Sources and Portable Gauges 

Register here

Important: workers who may not use gauges but who may work in proximity of gauges must also complete this training.

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Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG7) Requirements

Anyone who handles, offers the transport or transports dangerous goods, e.g. radioactive sources, must be trained in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Class 7).

To sign up for TDG(7) training, please enroll in BCIT's NMED 0516 - Transport of Dangerous Goods: Radioactive Materials. Once completed, please send a copy of your training certificate to the Radiation Safety Officer (rso-info@sfu.ca).