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RADIATION APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT
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This document provides guidance on the type of information to be provided to the University Radiation
Safety Officer (RSO) to obtain radiation approval for a research project involving the use of ionising or
non-ionising radiation.
Please submit the information by email to the University RSO.
Your submission and/or email must include this statement from the principal investigator:
I / we understand the University Policy on radiation and radiation safety management
requirements, and agree to apply them in the research project.
The RSO will clarify any details by telephone or email and may request additional information.
Radiation approval can be granted to acceptable proposals within a week of submission but as much
notice as possible is requested to allow for absence on leave or other work commitments.
Details in the proposal should be endorsed by the researcher and academic supervisor (and, where
relevant, Head of School or Director of Institute). This can be done by email trail (signatures are not
necessary).
It is advisable to consult with your Departmental RSO before submitting your proposal. If your research
project is being conducted at an institution other than UniSA, you will need to liaise with the host
institution including their Radiation Safety Officer as applicable.
If the radiation is in the form of ultrasound only then there is no need to apply for radiation approval.
1. Background information:
School/Research Institute:
Date:
Project title:
Ethics Protocol Ref No:
Academic Supervisor:
Principal researcher/investigator:
Proposed start date:
Expected completion date:
Locations to be used:
Departmental RSO:
2. Please provide a brief description of the project/research.
3. Justification: Explain clearly in lay terms why radiation must be used in this project/research.
4. Is this project similar to any radiation projects previously approved? If yes—please provide
details eg Project title, Ethics Protocol reference number, when approved.
5. Will humans be exposed to radiation for research purposes? If yes—for ionising radiation refer
ARPANSA Code of Practice and UniSA Research Ethics Manual Booklet 37. For non-ionising
radiation the same principles of exposure justification and informed consent are to be followed.
6. The project involves (delete type of radiation not applicable):
6.1 Non-ionising radiation (eg lasers, ultraviolet, intense visible, infrared, radiofrequency/
microwave, electric and magnetic fields):
6.2 Ionising radiation (gamma, beta, alpha, neutron, X-rays).
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Radiation Approval Required for Research Proposal
V1.0, 16 May 2011
Safety and Wellbeing Team
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Disclaimer: Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Please refer to the Safety and Wellbeing website for the latest version
6.1 Non-ionising radiation
(Delete 6.1 if not relevant)

Refer relevant Australian Standard and/or ARPANSA code of practice .

What is the source of the radiation?

Does the equipment have design features or classification which limits radiation exposure?

If the equipment is classified (eg Class 2 laser) provide copy of certification from manufacturer.

Who is exposed to radiation?

What exposure to radiation occurs?

What is the expected level of exposure?

You may be asked to provide any calculations used to estimate exposures.

How does this exposure compare to permissible exposure levels?

What measures are in place to control exposure?

If risk assessment forms WHS02 or WHS41 have been completed, please provide copy.
6.2 Ionising radiation
(Delete 6.2 if not relevant)
The research involves (delete radiation source if not applicable):
6.2.1 Sealed radioactive source(s)
6.2.2 Unsealed radioactive substances
6.2.3 X-ray apparatus.
6.2.1 For sealed source(s):

(Delete 6.2.1 if not relevant)
What are the (1) radionuclides involved and (2) their activity?

What is the use of the sealed source(s)? (eg teaching, portable density gauge)

What are the names of the EPA-licensed individuals using and/or supervising safe use of
the sealed source(s)?

Is the sealed source(s) an existing source in the university or is it to be purchased? If it is
to be purchased is the amount of radioactivity involved the minimum necessary?

Will the sealed source be used beyond this project? What are the arrangements for
disposal of the source, or handover to storage or to others in the School or Institute?

Are exposure controls (eg shielding) and safe working rules in place?
6.2.2 For unsealed radioactive substances:
What are the (1) radionuclides involved and (2) their activity?

What are the EPA-registered Premises in which the radionuclides will be used and stored
(eg room numbers, Institute)?

What is the name of the EPA-licensed person who will be supervising the safe use of
radioactive substances?

What are the arrangements in place for storage and waste disposal?

Is disposal of wastes taken into account in an EPA-approved waste management plan for
the School/Institute?

Are exposure controls (eg shielding) and safe working rules in place?
6.2.3 X-ray apparatus:
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(Delete 6.2.2 if not relevant)

(Delete 6.2.3 if not relevant)

What type of X-ray apparatus is being used? (eg X-ray analytical, diagnostic X-rays,
DEXA)

What are the names of the licensed individuals using and/or supervising safe use of the
X-ray apparatus?

Is the X-ray apparatus an existing item of equipment in the University or does it need to
be purchased? What is the EPA registration number of the apparatus (if applicable)?

Are exposure controls (eg shielding, interlocks) and safe working rules in place?
Radiation Approval Required for Research Proposal
V1.0, 16 May 2011
Safety and Wellbeing Team
Page 2 of 2
Disclaimer: Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled. Please refer to the Safety and Wellbeing website for the latest version