Industrial Radiography Permits and Training

Industrial radiography uses radiation to assess the integrity of structures. While this type of work is an essential tool for construction and engineering, it presents a potential radiation hazard. It is thus important to protect individuals, the public at large, and the environment from such risks.

Environmental Health and Safety utilizes an INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY PERMIT program aimed at industrial radiography service providers. Only permit holders may execute this type of work on campus. The Industrial Radiography Permit program is maintained by the Radiation Safety Division of EHS, and its objective is to minimize radiation risks associated with this type of work and to promote safe working practices. Industrial Radiography Permits are issued to each service provider for a defined period of time as needed by the service provider. Periodic inspections of the work site are conducted by the Radiation Safety Division.

Training for Industrial Radiographers


At least 80 hours must be devoted to initial training before appointment of responsibility as a radiographer. Upon completion of initial training, trainees must be required to pass an examination. Initial training must cover the following radiation protection topics:

  1. Fundamentals of radiation physics
  2. Radiation quantities and units
  3. Fundamentals of radiation biology
  4. Chronic and acute effects of radiation
  5. Dose limits for radiation workers
  6. Role of time, distance, and shielding in radiation protection
  7. Survey meters and personal monitoring devices, instrument calibration, leak tests
  8. Types of emergencies
    1. personnel overexposure
    2. equipment malfunction
    3. lost sources
    4. exposures of non-radiography personnel and the public
  9. Emergency plans and responses, follow-up
  10. Case histories: Accidents in industrial radiography
  11. Laboratory exercises

Before given independent responsibilities as a radiographer, on-the-job training must be completed. On-the-job training must cover, with special attention to emergency procedures:

  1. Operation of radiography equipment
  2. Operation of safety/monitoring equipment
  3. Area layout and postings
  4. Radiation protection record keeping
  5. Personnel dose records
  6. Receiving/shipping records
  7. Inventory
  8. Decay curves
  9. Source utilization log
  10. Leak test records
  11. Source disposal records
  12. Survey meter calibrations
  13. Area layout
  14. Emergency procedures
    1. equipment malfunctions
    2. lost or damaged source
    3. overexposures


Refresher training must be given on a semi-annual basis and after changes in equipment, procedures, or regulations.