What is RPS training?
Under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 20171 employers have a duty to provide appropriate training for all employees working with ionising radiation. These regulations also require radiation employers to appoint one or more suitable Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) to ensure compliance with the radiation safety measures set out in the employer’s Local Rules.
The purpose of our training course is to ensure that you, as an RPS, have a sound understanding of the nature of radiation and its effects on the human body, the legislation governing its use, and that you are familiar with the basic principles of radiation protection in the workplace as required by the Core of Competence defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2.
The training is suitable for new and existing RPSs and you will benefit from discussions about the evaluation of radiation risks and the effectiveness of the existing controls in your workplace. You will be updated with practical solutions regarding radiation dose monitoring of staff and for conducting investigations when your local investigation levels are exceeded. You will also be briefed on the expectations of inspectors in relation to radiation safety and compliance with the associated regulations.
How is training delivered?
To optimise learning, training is delivered in hybrid format in two parts:
– Part 1: Underpinning scientific knowledge. Pre-recorded material (2½ hours) and online assessment (30mins) to be completed before part 2.
– Part 2: Regulatory and best practice update with practical applications. Virtual teaching in a small group (typically 6-8 participants), delivered in a half-day session. This session usually runs from 9am to 1pm and takes place online via TEMAS. A link will be sent to you following successful completion of the part 1 assessment.
The total study time for this course is approximately 7.5 hours.
What to do now
If you have not already done so please contact our admin team at nuth.NewcastleRPScourse@nhs.net.
References
1. Working with ionising radiation. Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Approved Code of Practice and guidance https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l121.htm
2. HSE Information Sheet – Ionising Radiation Protection Series No6 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/irp6.pdf
Copyright
RPS Training Material © 2021 by The Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, is licensed under
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
