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U.S. DOE Radiation Safety Training

Radiation safety training is presented by the Department of Energy (DOE) to workers who may be exposed to ionizing radiation. The program is called General Employee Radiological Training (GERT), and it is designed to comply with federal regulation 10 CFR 835, Subpart J, Radiation Safety Training. This training is an overall program. Site-specific training expands on GERT, covering detailed subjects required at a particular work site.

  1. Training Program Description

    • Workers are trained to recognize and obey radiation hazard markers, barriers and signs. They are also taught to minimize exposure to radiation within DOE limits and in accordance with the program called As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).

      Some of the specific subjects covered during the training include sources of radiation, the difference between ionizing and nonionizing radiation, radiological controls, dosimetry, emergency procedures, the ALARA program and exposure reports.

    Proficiency Requirements and Retraining

    • Employees are considered proficient in radiation safety when they complete the GERT training and any required facility-specific training. Federal regulations do not require testing to be done after general training. Site-specific training does require passing a written exam.

      Retraining is conducted anytime work conditions change or at two-year intervals, whichever comes first. For typical retraining, emphasis should be on knowledge and skills seldom used by workers. The intent is to maintain a well-rounded knowledge base.

    Instructor Training and Qualifications

    • DOE Order 5480.20A, Personnel Selection, Qualification, and Training Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, describes the qualifications for instructors. They are required to have the educational background and experience necessary to be a subject matter expert in the topics they teach.

    Training Program Standards and Policies

    • GERT training is designed to be accomplished in a classroom environment, using lectures, seminars and training exercises. Web-based and computer-based training is also acceptable.

      Workers who don't receive their biannual retraining shall not be allowed to work unescorted in controlled areas until the training has been completed.

    Administration

    • Training records should be kept on file reflecting all training, retraining and testing that has been conducted. These records can be used during an audit to help determine if areas of training need to be improved upon and to ensure everyone has attended the appropriate training.

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