During RSCS’s in-person Radiation Safety Officer training course, students participate in a hands-on radiation response training, and gain realistic field experience without the risks of working with live radioactive sources. Using advanced SIM-Teq radiation survey training instruments and dosimetry, participants learn to respond to simulated radiation incidents in a safe, controlled environment. From initial background readings to team-based incident mapping and source identification, each exercise mirrors the challenges of a real-world response while eliminating exposure risk. This approach allows students to focus on building technical skills, practicing safety protocols, and developing confidence in their ability to respond effectively to radiation emergencies.
The RSCS Instructor looks on as students check their SIM-Teq radiation survey instruments before the training exercise. RSCS uses their SIM-Teq training products to enhance the student learning experience without the use of live radioactive sources avoiding any exposure to radiation during the training.
The RSCS Instructor ensures students are ready to use their SIM-Teq radiation survey instruments when they arrive at the scene of the training exercise. The students obtain background radiation readings before beginning the exercise.
Students then take first radiation dose readings with their SIM-Teq radiation survey instruments as they approach the scene of the training exercise. The rest of their team looks on and records the radiation dose readings called out by the students to create a radiation survey map of the area.
Students assess the situation as they monitor radiation levels at the scene. The training exercise requires the students to locate any box which shows indications of radiation and safely separate them from “clean” boxes.
Another RSCS Instructor provides guidance to the students as they approach the scene of the training exercise. The students work in teams of 2 as if they were responding to a real incident involving unknown sources of radiation.
Once they determine the radiation levels at the scene of the training exercise, students survey each box using the the radiation survey instruments to locate any sources of radiation. Students carefully monitor their accumulated dose using their SIM-Teq radiation dosimetry to ensure they remain below their dose and dose rate alarm setpoints as they would in a real incident involving unknown sources of radiation.
The RSCS Instructor helps students check their dosimeters and report their radiation dose readings to the student acting in the role of “Incident Response Commander” as he records their data.
After the data is collected, the students review the data to determine the total radiation dose their team received responding to the incident. While all radiation and radiation doses are simulated, the students gain valuable knowledge on how they might respond in a real-life event.
For more information on the in-person Radiation Safety Officer training at RSCS, visit RSO Training. Courses are run throughout the year. For more information on SIM-Teq training equipment, visit sim-teq.com.