INSP 220 - Certified Exposure Device Operator

Course Description:
Certified Exposure Device Operator is the first step in preparing learners for a career in Industrial Radiography. Learners
will have the opportunity to review the basics of chemistry and ionizing radiation. The learner will also study safety,
biological effects, radiation detection, emergency procedures, and procedures for the operation of exposure devices and
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulations.

3 Credits

Time Guidelines:
The standard instructional time for this course is 59 hours.

Course Assessment:
Quizzes/Assignments 25%
Final Exam 75%

Total: 100%

Students are to receive a minimum of 75% in this course and meet the applicable Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
(CNSC) regulations course attendance requirements.

Other Course Information:

Students receiving grades below 75% or attending less than minimum required hours based on Canadian Nuclear Safety
Commission (CNSC) requirements of instruction in exposure device operator courses will not be provided with the
documents required to write their CNSC examination(s) from SAIT. Students must also meet all other requirements
published in the applicable CNSC regulations and the CSA PCP-09 (Certification Guide for Exposure Device Operator
Personnel). Students who do not meet course requirements upon its completion will be required to repeat the course and
achieve these requirements before SAIT will provide proof of course completion required by the standard and NDT
Certifying Body.

Manufacturing & Automation has an Attendance Policy for its Programs. This Policy can be viewed at the following link:

MA Student Engagement Policy

SAIT Policies and Procedures:

For information on the SAIT Grading Scale, please visit policy AC 3.1.1 Grading Progression Procedure: http://www.sait.ca
/Documents/About SAIT/Administration/Policies and Procedures/AC.3.1.1 Grading and Progression Procedure.pdf

For information on SAIT Academic Policies, please visit: www.sait.ca/about-sait/administration/policies-and-procedures

/academic-student

Course Learning Outcome(s):

1. Explain the controls and standards related to the field of radiography.

Objectives:

1.1 Define radiography.

1.2 Discuss the elements of the radiography set-up.

1.3 Differentiate between the varying levels of technicians.

1.4 Explain the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulations governing certification of Exposure
Device Operator (EDO).

1.5 Outline the requirements for certification of exposure device operators as stipulated in the current
regulatory document.

1.6 Outline the discovery and history of radioactivity.

2. Explain radioisotope activation and decay using Bohr’s atomic model.

Objectives:

2.1 Explain the structure of matter.

2.2 Define radiation.

2.3 Explain neutron bombardment/activation.

2.4 Explain the mechanism of disintegration.

2.5 Describe the products of decay.

2.6 Define the units of disintegration (Ci and GBq).

2.7 Calculate the activity of a radioisotope using half-life.

2.8 Compare the isotopes in industrial radiography.

2.9 Compare radioisotopes to x-ray tubes.

3. Discuss the principles of ionization.

Objectives:

3.1 Explain the three mechanisms of ionization.

3.2 Explain the harmful effects that radiation may have on the human body.

3.3 Discuss radiation measurement through the use of monitoring devices.

3.4 Differentiate between radioactive penetration and absorption.

3.5 Compare electromagnetic radiation to particulate radiation.

3.6 Explain the positive interaction of ionization with screens and film in producing a radiograph.

3.7 Outline the advantages and disadvantages of ionization as it affects radiography.

4. Measure radiation exposure.

Objectives:

4.1 Compare the units of measurement for dose rate and exposure.

4.2 Explain radiation absorbed dose (rad) and the gray (Gy).
 4.3 Explain Relative Biological Effect (RBE) and quality factor (QF).

4.4 Explain roentgen equivalent man (rem) and the sievert (Sv).

4.5 Discuss conversions between metric and SI measurements.

4.6 Compare relative exposures to radiation.

5. Examine the biological effects of radiation.

Objectives:

5.1 Discuss sources of radiation exposure.

5.2 Outline the types of effects from radiation exposure.

5.3 Outline the clinical effects on humans.

5.4 Compare the health effects of varying radiation doses.

5.5 Contrast radiation benefits against risks.

5.6 Explain radiation risks associated with gamma radiography and x-ray radiography.

5.7 Outline maximum permissible doses for nuclear energy workers (NEW) and non-nuclear energy workers
(members of the public).

6. Perform radiation detection and measurement.

Objectives:

6.1 Describe dose and dose rate devices.

6.2 Examine survey instruments such as ion chamber instruments and Geiger Müller (GM) counters.

6.3 Interpret and record survey instrument readings.

6.4 Describe the features of personal dosimeters.

6.5 Interpret and record personal dosimeter readings.

6.6 List typical examples of commercially available survey instruments and personal dosimeters.

6.7 Discuss the maintenance and calibration of radiation measurement devices.

7. Use time, distance and shielding to protect living tissue from ionizing exposure.

Objectives:

7.1 Explain the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.

7.2 Outline the legal and ethical obligations of an exposure device operator.

7.3 Explain the roles of time, distance and shielding along with the cumulative effect of exposure.

7.4 Calculate total exposure, given exposure rate and time.

7.5 Solve inverse square law problems.

7.6 Solve half value and tenth value layer problems.

7.7 Describe shielding devices used in radiation protection.

8. Practice safe operating procedures as outlined in the CNSC regulations.

 Objectives:

8.1 Discuss safety issues in radiographic operations.

8.2 Describe the equipment necessary for a safe radiographic operation as per the CNSC regulations.

8.3 Explain the full responsibilities of an EDO as per the CNSC regulations.

8.4 Follow proper set-up and operating procedures to prevent a lodged source with a cable-operated camera.

8.5 Compare the cable-operated camera to the pneumatic camera.

8.6 Outline the requirements for leak testing of an exposure device.

8.7 Outline the requirements for shipping, transporting and receiving a radioactive source.

9. Follow emergency procedures with a mock radioisotope.

Objectives:

9.1 Recognize an operational emergency situation.

9.2 Outline the protocols to be followed in dealing with an emergency situation.

9.3 Use appropriate radiation-monitoring and detection equipment during the recovery of a lodged source.

9.4 Follow lodged source recovery techniques presenting various degrees of difficulty.

9.5 Follow proper wrap-up technique using radiation detection and monitoring equipment.

9.6 Discuss various emergency situations involving radioactive sources.

9.7 Identify the steps involved in dealing with an emergency situation.

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