Product Overview

Summary: This Radiation Safety in Oil and Gas Exploration SOP provides a clear, defensible framework for managing ionising radiation risks from well logging, density tools, gauges and other radioactive sources used in exploration activities. It helps Australian operators meet WHS and radiation licensing obligations while protecting workers, the public and the environment from unnecessary exposure and loss of control of sources.

Oil and gas exploration relies heavily on sealed radioactive sources and radiation‑emitting equipment for well logging, density measurements and formation evaluation. These activities introduce specific ionising radiation risks that must be tightly controlled to comply with Australian radiation control legislation and WHS laws. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, step‑by‑step system for planning, transporting, storing, using and returning radiation sources in exploration settings, including remote onshore sites and offshore platforms.

The SOP translates regulatory requirements and best practice into clear, field‑ready instructions that can be followed by drilling crews, logging contractors and supervisors. It defines roles and responsibilities, mandatory training, dose minimisation strategies, access control, signage, emergency arrangements and incident reporting requirements. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of radiation incidents, and provide consistent guidance to both employees and contractors working under their control.

Developed for the Australian context, this SOP supports licence conditions imposed by state and territory radiation regulators and aligns with WHS obligations to eliminate or minimise exposure to hazards so far as is reasonably practicable. It is suitable for integration into existing HSE management systems and contractor management frameworks, ensuring radiation safety is managed with the same rigour as other critical risks such as pressure, confined spaces and hazardous chemicals.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian radiation control legislation, licensing conditions and WHS duties during exploration activities.
• Reduce the risk of over‑exposure, loss of source, or uncontrolled radiation areas through clear controls for storage, handling and use.
• Standardise radiation safety practices across drilling rigs, logging units and exploration crews, including contractors and labour‑hire personnel.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and joint‑venture partners through documented, auditable procedures.
• Improve emergency preparedness for radiation incidents, including damaged sources, stuck tools, fire and vehicle accidents in transit.

Who is this for?

• Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs)
• Oil and Gas Exploration Managers
• Drilling Supervisors
• Well Logging Engineers and Technicians
• Field Geophysicists
• HSE / WHS Managers and Advisors
• Radiation‑using Equipment Custodians
• Onshore and Offshore Site Supervisors
• Contractor Management Coordinators
• Compliance and Risk Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Ionising radiation exposure from sealed sources and radiation‑emitting equipment used in well logging and density measurements
• Loss, theft or misplacement of radioactive sources during transport, storage or field operations
• Uncontrolled or unauthorised access to radiation areas on rigs, well sites and offshore platforms
• Mechanical damage to sources or tools leading to potential contamination or elevated dose rates
• Radiation exposure during stuck‑tool recovery, fishing operations or source retrieval activities
• Inadequate shielding or incorrect equipment setup resulting in higher than expected dose rates
• Vehicle accidents and transport incidents involving radioactive materials on public roads or remote access tracks
• Fire or explosion in areas where radioactive sources are stored or deployed
• Cumulative occupational radiation dose to workers due to poor planning or lack of monitoring

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Regulatory and Standards Framework
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authority (including Radiation Safety Officer)
• 5.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 6.0 Radiation Risk Assessment and Planning for Exploration Activities
• 7.0 Radiation Source Inventory, Security and Record‑Keeping
• 8.0 Transport of Radioactive Materials to and from Exploration Sites
• 9.0 Storage and Security of Radiation Sources Onshore and Offshore
• 10.0 Pre‑Use Checks and Area Setup (exclusion zones, shielding, signage)
• 11.0 Safe Operating Procedure for Well Logging and Radiation‑using Tools
• 12.0 Management of Stuck Tools, Fishing Operations and Source Retrieval
• 13.0 Personal Dosimetry, Monitoring and Exposure Control (ALARA principles)
• 14.0 Contractor Management and Interface with Drilling and Logging Companies
• 15.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response for Radiation Incidents
• 16.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Notification to Regulators
• 17.0 Inspection, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• ARPANSA Radiation Protection Series C-1: Radiation Protection in the Mining and Mineral Processing Industry (relevant principles for exploration activities)
• ARPANSA Radiation Protection Series C-5: Code for Radiation Protection in Planned Exposure Situations
• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace Code of Practice (for integrated HSE management where chemicals and radiation co‑exist)
• AS/NZS 2243.4: Safety in laboratories – Ionizing radiations (guidance on general radiation protection principles)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• State and Territory Radiation Safety / Radiation Control Acts and Regulations (e.g. NSW Radiation Control Act, QLD Radiation Safety Act – jurisdiction specific licensing and source management requirements)