Mohawk College is committed to the highest ethical and safety standards involving the use of radioactive materials at the College. The radioactive source, Iridium 192, is present at the Fennell Campus. It is used and controlled by the Canadian Institute for NDE (CINDE). This is a gamma emitter with maximum strength 100 Ci. The material is always contained within a closed system (a shielded camera) that is used for taking radiographs of metal test pieces. The camera is used in a room specifically designed for this use and that is approved by the CNSC. The camera is operated remotely from a safe location only by qualified personnel.
Mohawk College is committed to responding quickly and appropriately to extraordinary situations involving radioactive materials that could potentially have adverse effects on the Mohawk College community. This procedure outlines the response to emergencies involving radioactive material used by the CINDE at the Fennell Campus.
On this page:
- Application and Scope
- Definitions
- Procedure
- Communication with Media
- Revision Date
- Attachments
- Specific Links
1. Application and Scope
This procedure applies to all members of the Mohawk College community including all staff, students, contractors and visitors to the College.
2. Definitions
“Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)” regulates the use, possession and storage of all nuclear substances in Canada.
“Curie (Ci)” is the non-SI unit of radioactivity. 1 Ci = 3.7 × 1010 decays per second.
“Radioactive Material” is any material that exhibits radioactivity; emitting or relating to the emission of ionizing radiation or particles such as alpha and beta particles, neutrons or gamma rays and may present a risk to humans, animals or the environment.
3. Procedure
3.1. If an emergency situation occurs in either room C006 or C006a, and/or nearby with the potential to affect these rooms, immediately contact any of the persons on the Radiation Emergency Contacts listing in Appendix A.
3.2. While waiting for their arrival, secure the room and prevent access. Only authorized responders from (CINDE) may enter the room.
3.3. Do not attempt to enter either room until an approved emergency contact person arrives. These contacts are fully qualified and trained to handle any situation involving radioactive materials. Follow their instructions.
3.4. In the event of a fire, notify the Fire Department immediately. Advise them that there is Radioactive Isotope Iridium 192 in an IAEA approved Type B container located inside C006a.
3.5. The College will implement the Emergency Response Plan to protect the College community from exposure to uncontrolled sources of radiation and to mitigate environmental impact.
4. Communication with the Media
All communication with the media about the nature of the emergency should be handled by the Director of Communications (or designate).
5. Revision Date
May 2021
6. Attachments
9. Specific Links
- ERP807 Health Risk to the College Community Procedure
- CS-1400-2008 Accidents and First Aid Policy
- CS-1403-2008 Emergency Response Policy
- CS-1401-1979 Health and Safety Policy
- CS-1405-2008 Handling of Hazardous Materials and Spills
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
- Mohawk College Emergency Response Plan
Appendix A: Emergency Contacts
- Police, Fire, Medical: 911
from any phone - College Emergency Services (24 hours): 55
On College phone lines (Fennell) - College Departments
- Occupational Health and Safety Department: 2225
- Facilities Management Department: 2336
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Emergency Line (24/7): 1-613-995-0479
- Canadian Institute for Non-destructive Examination (CINDE)
- CINDE President/CEO: 905-387-1655 x221
- CINDE Radiation Safety Officer
- CINDE Assistant Radiation Safety Officer
- After-hours: Contact information for CINDE and Mohawk College staff identified above is available through Security Services and the Emergency Response Plan.