Radiation Safety Officer

The radiation safety officer shall ensure that radiation safety activities are being performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements in the daily operation of the licensee's or registrant’s program. (A) The minimum qualifications, training, and experience for radiation safety officers for industrial radiography are as follows: (1) Completion of the training and testing requirements of 105 CMR 120.320(B); (2) 2000 hours of hands-on experience as a qualified radiographer in industrial radiographic operations; and, (3) Formal training in the establishment and maintenance of a radiation protection program. (B) The Agency will consider alternatives when the radiation safety officer has appropriate training and experience in the field of ionizing radiation, and in addition, has adequate experience and knowledge with respect to the establishment and maintenance of a radiation safety protection program. (C) The specific duties of the RSO include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) To establish and oversee operating, emergency, and ALARA procedures as required by 105 CMR 120.200, and to review them regularly to ensure that the procedures are current and conform to Agency regulations and to the license or registration conditions; (2) To oversee and approve all phases of the training program for radiographic personnel so that appropriate and effective radiation protection practices are taught; (3) To ensure that required radiation surveys and leak tests are performed and documented in accordance with 105 CMR 120.000, including any corrective measures when levels of radiation exceed established limits; (4) To ensure that personnel monitoring devices are calibrated and used properly by occupationally-exposed personnel, that records are kept of the monitoring results, and that timely notifications are made as required by 105 CMR 120.200; (5) To ensure that any required interlock switches and warning signals are functioning and that radiation signs, ropes, and barriers are properly posted and positioned; (6) To investigate and report to the Agency each known or suspected case of radiation exposure to an individual or radiation level detected in excess of limits established by these rules and each theft or loss of source(s) of radiation, to determine the cause, and to take steps to prevent its recurrence; (7) To have a thorough knowledge of management policies and administrative procedures of the licensee or registrant; (8) To assume control and have the authority to institute corrective actions including shutdown of operations when necessary in emergency situations or unsafe conditions; (9) To maintain records as required by 105 CMR 120.000. (10) To ensure the proper storing, labeling, transport, and use of exposure devices and sources of radiation; (11) To ensure that quarterly inventory and inspection and maintenance programs are performed in accordance with 105 CMR 120.316 and 120.318; and, (12) To ensure that personnel are complying with 105 CMR 120.000, the conditions of the license or the registration, and the operating and emergency procedures of the licensee or registrant.