Safe Use of Industrial Radiography (IR) Sources

Updated: September 2023

Industrial Radiography Permit System

Industrial radiography (IR) is often used by contractors to estimate concrete thickness and safety for concrete drilling in various structures across the institution. IR uses a high-activity radioactive source to image or ‘X-ray’ these structures.

The IR permit system ensures that:

  1.  the radiography source and user are licenced or otherwise approved by the regulatory authorities;
  2.  the potential hazards of exposure to these sources have been identified and assessed;
  3.  that necessary safety measures are in place;
  4.  that workers, students, and staff are aware of the safety procedures to follow during such testing.

IR permit applications for each project are reviewed and approved by the University’s Radiation Protection Service (RPS) team from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. The permit must be authorized by the Design and Construction project manager or Building Property Manager responsible for the work, indicating that this work will be done in accordance with the University’s radiography source permit system. Following authorization by the project manager, the permit must be signed by the radiographer and approved by RPS.

During radiographic testing, contractors must have the following documentation readily available on the worksite:

  1. An approved industrial radiography permit for the specified time and date
  2. Safety signage indicating the areas of potential exposure

Project and/or property managers are required to keep the IR permit on file for a period of three (3) years. More information on the IR program can be found on the Industrial Radiography Program page.

Contact

Daniel Cardenas
Health & Safety Officer, Radiation Safety Officer
daniel.cardenas@utoronto.ca