Train-the-trainers Courses for Radiation Protection Officers

To help Member States ensure they have sufficient competent radiation protection personnel at medical and industrial radiation facilities, the IAEA offers a train-the–trainer course for Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs). The International Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources state that a registrant, licensee or employer of facilities should designate such officers to oversee the application of regulatory requirements.

The course is part of IAEA work to assist Member States in ensuring that they have enough radiation protection trainers to support the establishment of sustainable national safety infrastructure. It includes modules on fundamental topics applicable to all practices and supplementary modules on:

• industrial radiography;
• industrial irradiators;
• nucleonic gauging equipment, including well-logging
• medical diagnostic X ray facilities;
• external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy;
• diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine facilities;
• industrial processes involving naturally occurring radioactive material that is subject to regulatory control; and
• the use of unsealed radioactive material in industry and research.  

Building RPO Training Capacity

The IAEA offers train-the-trainer courses to help Member States create a pool of trainers with the technical competence, practical experience and teaching skills needed to establish a sustainable national training programme for radiation protection officers.

Course participants practice presentation and communication skills and learn how to organize training events and practical exercises. They also study the use of IAEA-developed training materials.

The course includes sessions on soft skills such as:

• Learning factors such as motivation, perception, memorization, understanding;
• Communication, including active listening and teaching styles;
• Training tips and techniques;
• Training programme design; and
• Tools and teaching aids.

It also includes technical sessions such as:

• Radiation protection principles and source safety;
• General requirements of the International Safety Standards for Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources;
• Role and duties of radiation protection officers; and
• Training needs of radiation protection officers.