Preface
Ionising radiations are a natural component of the environment in which we live. They come from constituents of the air we breathe, the ground we walk on and the food we eat. We are also bombarded by a never-ending stream of cosmic radiation from the sun and space. Today, we may also be exposed to varying levels of man-made radiation, the most significant of which is medical X-rays, and everyone appreciates the benefits which they have brought us. You, by the nature of your work, may be exposed to higher levels of radiation than the general public, and an important principle of radiation protection is that the benefits of the work that you do should far outweigh any risks involved.
The University has outlined how it will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance in the publication entitled 'The Health and Safety Policy Statement of the University Court'. The purpose of this document is to provide radiation workers at the University with useful information on ionising radiations and details of the procedures they should follow to ensure safe working practices and compliance with the law. If the procedures are strictly adhered to, then the risks associated with your work with ionising radiations and your exposures to them should be minimal. A copy of the 'Health and Safety Policy Statement of the University Court' can be obtained from Environmental, Health and Safety Services or its web site.
Guidance on other relevant health and safety matters is provided in the publication entitled 'Health and Safety - Codes and Guidance' and other University publications. Copies of these publications are available from Environmental, Health and Safety Services or from its web site.
Guidance Documents
The Association of University Radiation Protection Officers (AURPO) has produced a publication entitled 'Guidance Notes on Working with Ionising Radiations in Research and Teaching (2000)'. This publication provides general guidance on all aspects on compliance with relevant governing legislation.