Obligatory Radiation Protection Course
Since February 2008, participation in the radiation protection course has been a prerequisite for obtaining a CERN personal dosimeter for all Staff Members and Users.
All Staff and Users holding a personal dosimeter were informed by the Bulletin and by a personal e-mail sent in February 2008 that they were required to participate in the course before the annual exchange of their dosimeter. Many people had not done so by that time and the Dosimetry Service exceptionally classified them for 2 months as short-term visitors (VCT), a category of monitored personnel to whom the training requirement does not presently apply.
As all personnel concerned have since had time to participate in an RP course, this "grace period" will no longer be granted as of 1 October 2008 and the RP course must be completed before the personal dosimeter is exchanged.
For newcomers to CERN, and for those returning to CERN after an absence of more than 1 year, one registration as a VCT for two months per calendar year is still possible to allow them time to follow the RP course.
Thomas Otto
on behalf of the Dosimetry Service
Radiation Protection Group
by SC Unit