Role Profile
Monitor
Typical job description:
A Health Physics Monitor is charged with checking either area/surface/volume radiation levels or radioactive contamination in the workplace. This function will be specified by a Health Physicist for temporary controlled areas or by an Radiation Protection Supervisor for well defined and structured work situations. In the environment, Monitors provide a similar function away from the workplace, checking radioactivity and also chemicals in the environment for the safety of the public and the environment.
Key Processes:
The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:
- Promoting good practice in radiation and contamination areas
- Using Health physics/Radiation monitoring equipment
- Counting dose on filter papers for assessment of airborne or surface activity
- Equipment checks
- Ensuring operational staff follow the necessary radiological regimes.
- Monitoring individuals when they are dressing/undressing at controlled area barriers to assess any contamination on clothing and skin
- Monitoring waste packages prior to disposal decisions
- Perform Radiation and Contamination Surveys in a Radiation or Contamination Controlled Area
Entry Level:
At least four A-C grade GSCE’s (including English and Maths) or Standard grades - credit or level 2 equivalent
Search for related degrees or courses:
Industry Standard:
C&G stage 1 and/or 2 in Radiation Safety Practice
NVQ level 2 in Radiation Protection
Competencies:
- Able to read and interpret readings and scales on instruments
- Good analytical and problem solving skills
- Writing survey notes and reports
- Able to work well on their own or in a team
- Ability to read and input computer generated data
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Good communication and written skills
- Classified Person on the national register of Radiation Classified Workers
Knowledge needed for the role:
- General understanding of radiation and contamination and their effects on the body and the environment
- General understanding of human physiology of breathing, ingestion and the skin
- General understanding of distribution mechanisms for contamination
- Health & Safety Legislation, Ionising Radiation Regulations
- Planning ability
- Continuous Improvement techniques
- Monitoring equipment and instrumentation technology and use
- Personal Dosimetry and Personal Protective Equipment
Pay and conditions:
Salaries commence at £14,000 rising to £22,000 per year depending on acquired skills and maintenance disciplines.
Between 35 and 40 hours per week. Monitors often work shifts and overtime and might be called out in emergency situations. Extra payment is made for shifts and overtime.
The industry has an excellent safety record and culture.