Fixed Gauge RSO Training

Our RSO online training course provides the REQUIRED training to run the radiation safety officer program. It covers all the mandated materials required by regulations including the RSO duties and responsibilities including radiation fundamentals, dose calculations, regulations, handling/storage and security of radioactive materials, emergency actions, rad disposal, and more.

We are proud of our Radiation Safety Officer Training and our high student pass rate on the RSO certification exam. This comes from our ability to simplify complex technical and regulatory subjects.  Our impressive courses deliver textbook materials combined with real-world experience to deepen learning.

Graduates leave with 100% of the necessary resources, knowledge, and confidence to conduct a safe and regulatory-compliant radiation safety program.

This course meets all the training criteria of NUREG 1556 Vol 4, Appendix D.  It also reviews all the pertinent regulations covered under 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, 21, 30, 31, 32, 37, 71, 110, 150, 170, and 171.

To receive a radiation safety exam certificate, students must pass a final exam with an 80% or better grade.

About our Fixed Gauge RSO Course

The Fixed Gauge RSO course takes 16 hours, and can be completed in as little as two days.  Because of its highly concentrated form, the materials presented cover all subject matter identified by the applicable regulations.  References to 24 and 40-hour courses are often stated, although no specific regulation mandating the course duration exists for fixed nuclear gauges.   Regulations do mandate all the subject matter to be covered, and our course covers them all.  Other nuclear devices and processes posing potentially greater danger have mandated RSO course durations identified, but do not apply to the fixed nuclear gauge classification.

eLearn Course Benefits

The benefits of our online e-Learn course are:

1. Students may rewatch any parts they wish as often as desired
2. Can pace themselves and fit it around their schedules
3. Have one-hour free access to our trainer for any questions
4. Have complete access to all the materials for one full year from the date of purchase
5. Retake the final exam as often as needed to pass without any penalties or additional fees

Learn more about Radiation Solutions’ eLearn courses by watching this short video.

RSO CERTIFICATE IN YOUR NAME

Once you pass the final RSO exam, you will be issued for download an RSOcertificate.pdf that includes the course name, applicable regulations, your name, date of completion, and signature by the authorized trainer.

RADIATION SAFETY CERTIFICATE, LENGTH OF VALIDITY

There is no specific time length requirement for when you need to retrain for this job certificate.  Regulations do recommend taking a refresher course once every year to every three years.  

1. INTRODUCTION
• Spotlight – Safety Culture
• Spotlight – RSO Duties and Responsibilities
• Nuclear Gauge Overview
• Homework – Glossary

2. RADIATION SAFETY
• Radiation Fundamentals
• Units of Measurement
• Scientific Notation
• Radiation Sources
• Radiation Exposure and Dose
• Biological Effects & Risk
• Harmful Effects of Radiation
• Exposure Limits
• ALARA
• Inverse Square Law
• Radiation Monitoring & Dosimetry
• Safety Responsibility
• Radiation Survey Meters
• Radiation Meter Operation
• Contamination Surveying People

3. NUCLEAR GAUGES
• User Training for Fixed Gauges
• Fixed Gauge Types
• Nuclear Gauge Detection Principles
• Gauge Operating Procedures
• Gauge Installation
• Non-Routine Operations & Maintenance
• Routine vs. Non-Routine Maintenance
• Emergency Actions
• Gauge Area Surveys
• Leak Tests
• Shutter Checks

4. RSO SPECIFIC TRAINING
• RSO Training
• Radiation Dose & Dose Rate Calculation Methods
• RadProCalculator
• US DOT Training
• Radiation Safety Program Elements
• RSO Responsibilities
• Regulatory Inspections
• License Types
• Emergency Actions
• Radwaste Disposal
• Radioactive Hazmat Shipping
• Homework – Audit Detail

5. CODE OF REGULATIONS REVIEW OVERVIEW
• 10 CFR Part 19
• 10 CFR Part 20
• 10 CFR Part 30

Industries Utilizing Fixed Nuclear Gauges

Fixed nuclear gauges are used in a variety of industries due to their ability to measure thickness, density, moisture, and composition of materials without direct contact. Here’s a list of industries that commonly utilize fixed nuclear gauges:

1. Manufacturing & Materials Processing

• Steel and metal production (thickness and coating measurement)
• Glass manufacturing (thickness and density measurement)
• Paper and pulp (moisture and thickness control)
• Textile and fabric production (density and coating uniformity)

1. Mining & Minerals

• Cement and concrete production (moisture and composition analysis)
• Coal processing (ash content measurement)
• Aggregates and mineral extraction (density and flow rate monitoring)

1. Oil & Gas

• Pipeline monitoring (density and flow measurement)
• Refinery operations (liquid level and interface detection)
• Drilling operations (formation evaluation and moisture content)

1. Food & Agriculture

• Grain and seed processing (moisture and density measurement)
• Fertilizer production (composition and moisture control)
• Sugar and dairy processing (thickness and density measurement)

1. Chemical & Pharmaceuticals

• Bulk chemical manufacturing (flow rate and density monitoring)
• Pharmaceutical production (coating thickness and density)

1. Power Generation

• Nuclear and fossil fuel power plants (fuel monitoring and level detection)
• Biomass energy production (moisture content analysis)

1. Waste Management & Recycling

• Waste treatment plants (density and composition analysis)
• Metal and plastic recycling (thickness and density measurement)

1. Construction & Infrastructure

• Road construction (asphalt and soil density testing)
• Building materials production (thickness and density measurement of panels and insulation)

1. Water & Environmental Monitoring

• Water treatment facilities (sludge density and sediment measurement)
• Environmental studies (soil moisture and contamination detection)

These industries rely on fixed nuclear gauges for precise, non-destructive measurements that improve efficiency, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Let me know if you need more details on any specific industry or application!

To become a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for a facility operating fixed nuclear gauges, you must comply with specific federal regulations and guidelines established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The pertinent regulations and guidance documents include:

1. 10 CFR Part 30.33(a)(3): This regulation requires applicants for specific licenses to demonstrate that they and their personnel have the necessary training and experience to use radioactive material safely and in accordance with NRC regulations.

2. NUREG-1556, Volume 4, Appendix D: This appendix outlines the training and experience criteria for RSOs overseeing fixed nuclear gauge programs. It specifies that RSOs should have:

   • Successful completion of a fixed gauge manufacturer's or distributor's course for RSOs, or an equivalent course that meets the outlined criteria.
   • Sufficient experience to perform the duties required by the licensee's radiation safety program.

3. 10 CFR Part 20: This part establishes standards for protection against radiation, detailing requirements for radiation protection programs, dose limits, monitoring, and recordkeeping. RSOs must ensure compliance with these standards to protect workers and the public.

4. 10 CFR Part 21: This regulation mandates the reporting of defects and noncompliance related to substantial safety hazards. RSOs are responsible for ensuring that any identified defects in radiation safety equipment are reported in accordance with these requirements.

5. 10 CFR Part 37: This part provides requirements for the physical protection of certain quantities of radioactive material. RSOs must develop and implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to licensed materials.

6. Inspection Procedure (IP) 87124: This NRC inspection manual chapter provides guidance on evaluating the performance of fixed nuclear gauge licensees. It outlines the responsibilities of the RSO, including ensuring proper security of licensed material, conducting radiation surveys, maintaining records, and overseeing training programs.

What are the education requirements for becoming an RSO?