Engineering and manufacturing

Radiation protection practitioner

Ensure the safe use of radiation and to minimise the harmful effects of radiation on workers, the public and the environment.

Summary

The occupation of Radiation Protection Practitioner (RPP) is found wherever ionising and non-ionising radiation sources, technologies and equipment are used. Sectors include:

-        electricity generation

-        public health

-        emergency response and planning

-        regulatory bodies

-        defence and security

The RPP may work in large multi-nationals, the public sector, university or research organisations or small to medium enterprises.

An RPP’s expertise in working with sources of ionising radiation is needed for many uses. Sources and their uses can include:

-        security x-ray equipment, such as baggage scanners in airports

-        medical and industrial imaging equipment, like x-rays

-        material analysis devices to check components are correctly made

-        gauging systems in industrial processing plants, like thickness gauges

-        radioactive materials used in analytical and research equipment

-        the operation and management of nuclear reactors

The RPP’s knowledge and skills are also used where sources of non-ionising radiation are used. These may include the use of:

-        lasers for industrial processing, academic research and medical applications

-        radio frequency radiations in communication and radar systems

Work may include taking part in projects such as the design of new facilities where radiation sources are to be used. Examples of such design projects may include an X-ray facility for an airport or medical centre, or the  use of new radiation detection equipment at nuclear power plants.

The broad purpose of the RPP occupation is to help ensure the safe use of radiation and to minimise the harmful effects of radiation on workers, the public and the environment. The work of an RPP cuts across the subjects of physics and biology, and applies it to many different sectors. These include:

-        Public Health

-        Medicine, including dentistry 

-        Occupational Health  

-        Science, Engineering and Technology

Please note that the NHS does not currently offer this role as distinct from its clinical team roles.

The RPP will advise on and determine the measures needed to ensure compliance with the law. 

In their daily work, an RPP interacts with a range of people inside and outside of their organisation or employer. Interactions could be with more junior or senior people within their organisation, or external stakeholders such contractors or members of the public. RPPs will manage their own work with a high level of self-direction. The RPP may interact with those working directly with radiation as well as with others who may be affected. These can include managers, other radiation protection professionals, regulators, and providers of technical support services such as maintenance providers.

Depending on the type of organisation, an RPP may work in a variety of settings. This can include working in:

-        offices

-        laboratories

-        clinical settings 

-        industrial premises such as factories or processing plants

-        outdoors

RPPs will often be working alone evaluating radiation hazards and risk, analysing and interpreting radiation safety data, and providing advice and guidance. At other times they will work as part of a team or project, such as conducting surveys and investigations, or responding to emergencies.

An RPP will be responsible for radiation safety leadership in their workplace. The RPP will determine what controls are required to protect those working with radiation sources during routine and emergency situations. They will use scientific techniques and equipment to measure and monitor radiation and analyse data. They will evaluate radiation safety compliance with the law, prepare and implement radiation protection policies and procedures, and evaluate and inspect radiation protection operations.

The RPP will make and defend judgements on the adequacy of radiation protection measures. They will respond to complex and challenging problems such as emergency response situations. They may be responsible for leading projects and be influential in making key decisions that affect design, cost and delivery of radiation safety in the workplace.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Behaviours