FOR ALL YOUR RADIOACTIVE TRAINING NEEDS VISIT www.allenassociates.co.za
Allen Associates
+27 (0)41 581 2265 Tel
+27 (0)41 581 2285 Fax
Web: www.allenassociates.co.za
David Allen, CEO at Allen Associates, after first-class physics and chemistry, studied law and accountancy at Rhodes University. Articles of Clerkship, Institute of Administration and Commerce of S.A. Management and Accountancy Diploma Branches, with further studies in industrial law and administration were followed by a lectureship in the Business Management Department of now NMU. Career milestones include representing the HP Instrument Product Group offering support services in radiotherapy in Eastern Cape Provincial hospitals, industrial systems analysis, safety and preventive maintenance auditing and RPO appointment under the SA Radiation Directorate. Certification by the NRF iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences, relations with the Nuclear
Energy Corporation of SA (NECSA) and a Troxler C&DT Certificate, support a wealth of experience behind Allen geotechnical and engineering instrument courses. Participation in EWSETA development of unit standards for the SAQA NQF Radiation Protection Practitioner syllabus was a recent highlight.
Background
Radioactive isotopes are widely used in equipment measuring soil and asphalt compaction, thickness,
fluid level and density gauges, XRF Analysers and Gas Chromatograph ECDs.
While the instruments use relatively small amounts of radioactive isotopes, misuse or damage can lead to
serious permanent injury, fatalities and contamination of the environment.
NORM and TENORM risks present in many geotechnical operations include mining and offshore drilling and maintenance.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) through the Hazardous
Substances Act of 1973 (amended in 1993) controls Group III X-Ray Installations and Group IV
radioactive isotopes used in South African industries and medicine. Besides, there is growing
concern as to risk associated with non-ionising radiation and laser applications. Neglect of
compliance and safety codes may result in fines, compensation and sentencing related to the
seriousness of the incident.
Training by Allen Associates
Our Radiation Safety Proficiency Courses enhance understanding of sources of ionizing radiation, their application, safe use and procedures in the case of an incident. Candidates are instructed in radiation theory, biological effects of exposure and dose limits, methods of protection and the safe practices. We teach the responsibilities of Radiation Protection, Laser and Safety Officers. This includes rules relating to transport and disposal of radioactive sources
as well as procedures to follow in the case of accidental overexposure.
The training uniquely relates safety theory and law, to the user’s own field of use. In soils geotechnology
this means the use of soils and thin-layer gauges, their maintenance and correct operation for standard counts and Proctor and Marshall results. The programme is designed to satisfy legal requirements and regulations around radiation control in South Africa including the administrative procedures and records required for obtaining,
possessing, transporting or disposing of contaminated or radioactive material.
Delegates are tested in theory and, where appropriate, in practice. In the case of Hazmat Act candidates the Certificate bears on Regulation 6 3(b) competency required for Radiation Protection Officers to be submitted with RN787 Applications and RN785 RPO and ARPO Changes. The broadened training ambit includes technical operators. Guidance in the preparation of Internal Rules and the status of SA NQF level courses is traversed.
Who Should Attend
The course is set to benefit all persons involved in the use of the equipment, including:
Radiation Protection Officers Laser Safety Officers
Engineers with supervisory responsibility
SHEQ Officers and Practitioners
Site Radiation Protection Officers Laboratory technicians and operatives
Entry requirements
English literacy and grounding in physics and chemistry is advantageous. Likewise entry level familiarity with the technical processes involved as background to our course material: e.g. Civil engineering candidates with Soils Laboratory experience.
Course Content
Assistance is offered in preparation of Internal Rules, and content follows the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or ICNIRP guidelines to which South Africa subscribes,
including: Understanding Radiation
Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources
The Biological Effects of Radiation
Radiation & Pregnancy
Radiation Detection and Instrumentation
Transportation Requirements
RPO Duties & Responsibilities
South African Legal regulations
Radioactive Waste & Disposal Action in Emergencies
Storage requirements
Radiation incidents & worldviews
Safety theory is combined with the operating guidelines of radioactive equipment manufacturers such as Troxler, Campbell Pacific Nuclear, Instrotek, Humboldt, Endress +Hauser, Niton, Agilent and other manufacturers.
Live demonstrations include radiological scans using Geiger counter, EMF meters and various laser detectors. Practical exercises complete the day where appropriate.
Radiation Course Duration
The intensive one or two day courses include an assessment test requiring an 85% pass for a Proficiency Certificate. Other candidates receive a Certificate of Attendance. A unique benefit is provision for individual supplementary instruction and competency testing. The courses contribute to competency required of South African Health Products Regulatory Authority Radiation Protection Officers. A Company Certificate summarising attendee
names is issued for submission with RN787 Applications for an Authority and scrutiny by the Inspectorate. Courses include Nuclear Transport, Waste Disposal, Level & Thickness Gauges, XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), Industrial Radiography and ECD safety. Besides ionising radiation courses, non-ionising radiation courses include those for Laser Safety Officers (LSOs). Our new format PowerPoint multimedia presentations make the material easy to follow. Discussion is encouraged. Each delegate receives handouts or CD including the legal codes and equipment user manuals.
Benefits
On achieving proficiency, candidates will be able under the ALARA philosophy to: Provide safety induction for other personnel in safe radiation working practices and the dangers of over-exposure to radiation; Establish and maintain operational procedures so that the radiation exposure of workers is kept as far below the authorised limits as is achievable;
Initiate an investigation of cases of excessive exposure to determine its cause
and ensure that steps are taken to prevent its reoccurrence;
Determine whether dosimeters are required for personnel use and if so the
records to be kept of the results of monitoring devices;
Ensure adequate records are kept of all sources, the locations of these sources
or the name of the person to whom they have been assigned;
Ensure that periodic radiological surveys are carried out if needed, and the
records of such surveys to be kept, including descriptions of corrective measures;
Ensure all shields, containers and handling equipment are maintained and
Ensure periodic leak tests on sealed sources are performed as prescribed.
Allen Associates, Positioning-based Solutions supply, rent out and maintain a fleet of nuclear densometers for soil and thin layer QA, agricultural neutron probes, land survey and test and measurement instrumentation, GPS and machine control systems. Their cutting- edge expertise is recognized in SADC countries and beyond. Manage radiation risk in a safe working environment. Specify the field in which you require training and register now for a one or two day course. Courses cater for any size group at our offices, on-site, or at venues across the sub-continent
For bookings and enquiries:
Call: 041 581 2265
