International Conference on Occupational Radiation Protection: Strengthening Radiation Protection of Workers – Twenty Years of Progress and the Way Forward

Radiation Protection and Safety Training Programmes organized by the Radiation Protection Institute for Occupationally Exposed Workers in Ghana: a six-year review from 2016 to 2021

Not scheduled

1h 30m

Geneva

Poster 12. Education and training in occupational radiation protection Session 11. Education and training in occupational radiation protection

Speaker

Stephen INKOOM (Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission)

Description

In Ghana, it is a requirement by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) that all Occupationally Exposed Workers (OEWs) be trained in radiation protection and safety. In order to ensure best international practice, Ghana has also adopted the provisions of the International Basic Safety Standards (BSS) of 2014 published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The BSS compels employers, registrants and licensees to provide adequate instruction and training and periodic re-training in radiation protection and safety to ensure safety standards for protecting people and the environment. The NRA has also authorized the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) as a Technical Support Services Application for Training Service Provider.

The training modules consisted of theoretical presentations and practical demonstrations; specifically lectures, case studies, video shows and open forum discussions in the training process. The courses were mounted between 3 – 5 days either at the clients' facility or at the RPI premises. The training facilities include Desk Top Projector, Video Films, Overhead Projector, video Camera and other Training Materials (lecture notes, relevant literature, National/International Regulations, Guides or Codes of Practice, etc.). Currently, RPI through a collaborative project with the Skills Development Fund, Ghana, has developed an Ionizing Radiation Safety Training Manual. A Technical Visit to facilities of GAEC, and RPI and other Institutions whose facilities are relevant of the Client training need is organised as part of the training programme.

The Syllabus and Training Materials that are utilized are mainly from the National Policy for Education and Training in Radiation Protection, Transport and Waste Safety training modules for various practices; and the IAEA standardised training modules for various practices based on new requirements of the new BSS of 2014. There are also design of new training modules based on clients’ needs assessment/specific competencies required; as well as a continuous review of modules based on new knowledge, emerging technology, revised regulations, etc.

The target audience of the trainees include Qualified Expert (QE), Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs) and Qualified Operators who work with application of ionizing radiation in authorised practices in industrial, medical, research, etc. institutions for practitioners like Radiographers, X-ray Technicians, Biomedical Engineers, Operators of Density Nuclear Gauges, Well Logging Sources, Mining Engineers, Transporters of Nuclear and Radioactive Materials, etc.

Within a Period of five (5) years (2017-2021) the Institute has trained about 860 OEWs on Radiation Protection and Safety from 74 different facilities. In all, the training courses have equipped them with the requisite knowledge and skills and recent trends in radiation protection and safety. The feedback from the post course questionnaire by trainees indicates a demonstration of good safety culture to aid radiation protection and safety, and help minimize/prevent accidents and incidents in the utilization of ionizing radiation applications.