A quality educational program can significantly improve radiation safety

The University of Cincinnati has greatly improved the quality of its radiation safety program, in part, by promoting education. The improved educational program includes radiation safety awareness level training for all employees. Individuals who will handle radioactive material and/or operate radiation-generating equipment receive additional training. Handlers of radioactive material go through an initial retraining program prior to handling any radioactive material, are required to attend annual continuing education retraining, and are provided ongoing corrective action education. References are also readily available to individuals on a web page maintained by the Radiation Safety Office. The minimum training provided to individuals who operate radiation-generating equipment is basic radiation safety training, machine specific instruction, and orientation to use appropriate safety measures.