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RADIATION SAFETY MANUAL
Section 1: Introduction

INDEX
1.1 General
1.2 Acknowledgements
1.3 Philosophy

1.1 GENERAL
This manual is intended as a guide to those staff and students involved either directly or indirectly with the use of radioisotopes, ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation in research and teaching. The manual provides general information and guidelines on the recommended approaches to the use of radiation in research and teaching as well as information on some specific applications and regulations for the disposal of waste and emergency procedures.

The manual isn't a comprehensive guide on all aspects of the use of radiation and further specific information should be sought from the building Radiation Safety Officer or the University Radiation Safety Officer. Initial enquiries should be addressed to the Manager, Health and Safety Team, Human Resource Services.

This manual is designed for the user of radiation and any comments and/or criticisms will be carefully considered. Comments should be addressed to the University Radiation Safety Officer or the Manager, Health and Safety Team, Human Resource Services.

1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The University of Newcastle Occupational Health and Safety Committee wishes to acknowledge its indebtedness to the Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital Radiation Safety Committee and Dr Tomas Kron for permission to reproduce several pages from the Radiation Safety Manual of the Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital.

1.3 PHILOSOPHY
This University and the Occupational Health and Safety Committee is totally committed to the principle that underpins modern protection practice. With respect to radiation exposure that is to ensure at all times that exposure of both occupationally exposed and non occupationally exposed staff, students and general public to above background ionising and non-ionising radiation is kept:

AS LOW AS REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE
(At acceptable Social and Economic Cost)

All staff and students of The University of Newcastle are expected to embrace this philosophy and in translate ALARA into their activities in relation to the use of radiation within their workplace and laboratories, to adhere to the content of this manual and to acknowledge their responsibilities to the general public, their fellow students, workmates and themselves.