Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) has made significant advancements in providing accessible resources for OHS professionals. As part of our commitment to enhancing knowledge sharing, we are pleased to introduce the BOK Audio Chapters. Developed as a response to the need for a comprehensive understanding of work-related safety and health, the OHS Body of Knowledge for Generalist OHS Professionals (OHS BoK) is now available in an audio format, allowing you to conveniently access the chapters anywhere, anytime. With the AIHS taking ownership of the publication, the BOK Audio Chapters undergo continuous maintenance and development, ensuring they reflect the latest OHS research and practices. Join us in fostering a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace by accessing the BOK Audio Chapters and empowering yourself with essential knowledge.
Upon registering, you will be able to access the audio chapters via your learning platform.
Chapter 24: Ionising Radiation
Despite increased use of radiation in the workplace since the 19th century, the topic is associated with fear and lack of understanding in the community. While the level of natural background radiation makes it difficult to assess the impact of exposure to work-related radiation, the damage to the body is dose-related and cumulative, often with a long latency period. Thus the hazards and level of risk should be identified and managed. There is a legislative requirement for users of radiation sources to be licensed and for suitably trained responsible persons to be appointed; consequently, this chapter provides a broad overview of radiation hazards relevant to the generalist OHS professional. Excluding research and medical applications as specialist areas, OHS professionals are most likely to encounter radiation sources in industries such as construction, mining and manufacturing. This chapter reviews the physics of radiation and how ionising radiation can cause damage to the body. It outlines dose limits and risk assessment for radiation hazards, and cites relevant legislation and standards. Principles of radiation protection – justification, limitation and optimisation – are combined with exposure-limiting factors – time, distance and shielding – to develop a hierarchy of control. Finally, implications for OHS practice are discussed.
Keywords: ionising radiation, dose, ALARA
First year of publication: 2012
Current Version: 2021
The written chapter can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.ohsbok.org.au/(link is external)
Chapter 24: Ionising Radiation. (n.d.). The OHS Body of Knowledge. https://www.ohsbok.org.au/chapter-24-physical-hazards-ionising-radiation/
Course Details
Cost: AIHS Members $27.50 | Non Members $49.50
Format: Audio Chapter
CPD Points: 1
