Preparation for licensing Radiation Protection Offices (RPOs) – Category B
Target Audience
Professionals responsible for supervising or supporting radiation protection programs for non-complex or lower-risk radiation practices, such as diagnostic radiology, industrial radiography, or NDT (non-destructive testing), who are seeking Category B RPO licensing.
Course Duration
- 24 Training Hours
Course Objectives
- Provide foundational knowledge on ionizing radiation and safety.
- Train participants to perform RPO duties for moderate-risk radiation sources.
- Ensure compliance with Bahrain’s Law No. 7 of 2022.
- Prepare candidates for RPO Category B licensing under the Supreme Council for the Environment.
Course Structure
Module 1: Regulatory Framework and Licensing (3 hours)
- Overview of Law No. 7 of 2022, especially:
- Article 50 – Licensing requirements
- Article 52 – Legal responsibility of RPOs
- Article 53 – Licensing and dose limits
- Article 57 – Incident reporting
- Article 58 – Internal management systems
- Role and duties of a Radiation Protection Officer – Category B
- Comparison between Category A and Category B RPO responsibilities
- Process for licensing with the Supreme Council for the Environment
Module 2: Fundamentals of Ionizing Radiation (2 hours)
- Radioactive decay and radiation types
- Properties of alpha, beta, gamma, neutron radiation
- Units of activity and dose (Bq, Sv, Gy)
- Sources of ionizing radiation
Module 3: Biological Effects and Exposure Limits (2 hours)
- Deterministic vs. stochastic effects
- Acute and chronic radiation exposure
- Dose limits for workers and the public (Article 53.2)
- Risk to sensitive groups (pregnancy, young workers)
Module 4: Principles of Radiation Protection (3 hours)
- Time, distance, shielding
- Engineering controls and protective barriers
- PPE requirements
- Area zoning and warning signage
- Radiation safety culture
Module 5: Radiation Monitoring and Instruments (3 hours)
- Types of radiation detection instruments
- Survey meters
- Contamination monitors
- Personal dosimeters
- Monitoring practices in medical and industrial environments
- Calibration and recordkeeping
Module 6: Operational Radiation Protection Practices (4 hours)
- Safe use of diagnostic and industrial sources
- Local rules and supervision
- Radiological work permits (RWPs)
- Controlled and supervised areas
- Dose monitoring, reporting and ALARA implementation
Module 7: Emergency Procedures and Incident Management (3 hours)
- Common radiation incidents
- Spill control and initial response
- Notification process (Article 57)
- Worker overexposure protocols
- Communication with the Supreme Council
Module 8: Waste and Source Management (2 hours)
- Basic waste handling and segregation
- Source storage and return (Article 60)
- Disposal requirements for Category B practices
Module 9: Internal Control Systems and Documentation (2 hours)
- SOPs and documentation systems (Article 58)
- Radiation safety manuals
- Recordkeeping for exposure and incidents
- Preparing for inspections and audits
Assessment & Certification
- Written examination (30 multiple choice + short answers)
- Certificate of completion (recognized for licensing application to the Council)
Training Materials Provided
- Student handbook
- Local laws and regulatory forms
- SOP templates
- Emergency plan samples
- Equipment checklists
Training Methodology
Assessment
- Written examination (30 multiple choice + short answers)
- Certificate of completion (recognized for licensing application to the Council)
