Product Overview

This Radiation Safety SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with occupational radiation exposure. It is a comprehensive, pre-written document that covers multiple aspects of radiation work to support WHS compliance and robust radiation exposure controls across diverse Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Exposure to ionising radiation during routine, maintenance, and non-routine work activities
• Safe handling, storage, transport, and disposal of sealed and unsealed radioactive substances
• Planning and conducting industrial radiography work, including exclusion zones and access control
• Assessment and management of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in proximity to plant, equipment, and antennas
• Safe utilisation, transport, and on-site security of nuclear density gauges
• Operation and field deployment of nuclear densometers, including leak testing and integrity checks
• Implementation of engineering and administrative controls to limit radiation exposure to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
• Radiation exposure mitigation measures including shielding, time and distance controls, and personal dosimetry
• Use of non-ionising radiation sources such as lasers, UV equipment, and radiofrequency devices
• Entry to and work within designated radiation areas, controlled areas, and supervised zones
• Working near fixed and mobile radiation sources, including safe approach distances and barricading
• Emergency response to suspected over-exposure, loss of source, contamination, or equipment damage
• Radiation monitoring, record-keeping, and health surveillance arrangements for exposed workers
• Training, authorisation, and competency requirements for personnel involved in radiation-related tasks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for industrial radiography contractors, civil and geotechnical testing companies using nuclear gauges, medical and research facilities, utilities, telecommunications providers, and site supervisors managing any work involving radiation sources or radiation areas.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice for Radiation Protection in Industrial Radiography (RPS C-4): Guidance on safe conduct of industrial radiography and management of associated radiation risks
• Code for Radiation Protection in Planned Exposure Situations (RPS C-1): Requirements for managing occupational and public exposure in planned radiation work
• Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Industrial Radiography Equipment (where adopted by jurisdiction): Practical controls for equipment use, maintenance, and security
• AS/NZS 2243.4 Safety in Laboratories – Ionizing radiations: Safety requirements for work with ionising radiation in laboratory and testing environments
• AS/NZS IEC 60825 (Laser safety series): Control measures for work involving laser-based non-ionising radiation sources
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Applicable where radioactive materials are handled alongside other hazardous substances
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling radiation-related hazards
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017