Radiation
Last checked: January 2026
Nuclear and fissile materials
Nuclear materials, including uranium, thorium, and plutonium, are subject to strict controls at the University, with a focus on the use of Source Materials (e.g., uranyl and thorium compounds) rather than Fissile Materials, and any discovery or need for these materials requires consultation with the Chemical and Radiation Specialist due to the University's permit restrictions.
Nuclear material refers to uranium (U), thorium (Th), and plutonium (Pu) in any form. They can exist as:
- Source Materials: natural or depleted uranium (U-238) or any isotope of thorium (Th) in any form or concentration. In research settings, these Source Materials are usually used in the form of chemicals rather than radioactive materials. Some examples are uranyl acetate, uranyl formate, uranyl nitrate or thorium nitrate.
- Fissile Materials: U-235 (also called enriched Uranium), U-233 in any form or Pu-239 in any form or concentration.
While the use of Fissile Material is limited at the University, the use of Source Materials is more common. For example: uranyl acetate, uranyl nitrate and uranyl formate are used as stains in electron microscopy, and thorium salts are used as catalysts and reagents for fluoride determination.
What should I do if I need to use one of those Source Materials or Fissile Materials?
The University has a permit that requires strict controls. For this reason, the University has prohibited any new purchase of these chemicals. Refer to the Chemical Management Guidelines for further information and consult with the Chemical and Radiation Specialist.
What should I do if I find any chemical containing uranium or thorium in my laboratory?
You must contact the Chemical and Radiation Specialist immediately. If the chemical is still being used, directions will be given to ensure the storage and use of these chemicals comply with the University’s permit.
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Radiation management licence, training, radiation safety certification program, requirements, guidance materials, and contacts.
Electromagnetic radiation is used in a variety of teaching and research areas throughout the University. Some types of electromagnetic radiation can affect people’s health and cause damage to property or the environment.
Types of electromagnetic ionising radiation used at the University include:- open sources
- closed sources
- radiation emitting apparatus
Some of the compliance requirements for radiation management can be quite complex. The Radiation Risk Management procedures and associated guidance material aim to provide simple, directive guidance on how to achieve compliance in regard to electromagnetic radiation management at the University of Melbourne.
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The Radiation Act 2005 (Vic) requires a person or organisation to hold a management licence for the possession, sale, consignment or disposal of a radiation source. A licence must be held before the person or organisation conducts radiation practice. The management licence is issued by the Department of Health.
With regards to the above the University of Melbourne holds a management licence so that teaching and research practices that use ionising radiation can do so lawfully.
This licence (often referred to as the Radiation management licence in University documentation) is managed centrally by the Health & Safety Services team.
A practice refers to the type of radiation source and the purpose/method for its use.
What does this mean for teaching and research?
Before you can conduct a radiation practice it must be on the licence. The licence will include; the type of radiation source, the purpose of the practice and the location (including room number in a building).
A radiation practice that is on the licence,has licence conditions that you must meet.
You cannot conduct a radiation practice if it is not on the licence.
What are licence conditions?
These are the conditions that are listed on the licence. These conditions stipulate how you work with and manage the permitted ionising radiation source. The Health & Safety: Management licence schedules list the conditions.
What are examples of altering a radiation practice?
Altering a radiation practice requires varying the Radiation management licence. This may include:- Moving a radiation practice to a new location (this includes the room next door if it’s not on the licence)
- Acquiring additional radiation emitting apparatus (eg x-ray) not on the licence
- Acquiring additional sealed sources (eg fixed gauge or calibration source) not on the licence
- Acquiring additional radiation sources (eg open sources – isotopes) not on the licence
- Replacing emitting apparatus or sealed sources
- Disposing of emitting apparatus or sealed sources
- Ceasing a radiation practice
- How can we make this easier for you? If you are altering your radiation practice, or require further information or assistance, contact your Departmental Radiation Safety Officer (DRSO) or the University Radiation Safety Advisor.
Important information on nuclear and fissile materials
Training
Safe radiation practices - Ionising
This course is designed for staff and students who work with or are exposed to ionising radiation sources. It is anticipated that at the end of this training session participants will be able to:
- Have an awareness of University and legal requirements for the safe use of ionising radiation;
- Explain what ionising radiation is and what physical properties it possesses;
- Implement safe work practices and techniques when working with ionising radiation.
Please note: if you have a Use Licence then you can complete the Safe Radiation Practices - Use Licence Holders training instead of the above.
Safe radiation practices - Use licence holders
This course is designed for staff and students who work with or are exposed to ionising radiation sources and hold a current Use Licence. It is anticipated that at the end of this training session participants will be able to:
- Have an awareness of University and legal requirements for the safe use of ionising radiation.
Training for either course is available via TrainMe. Please discuss with your Department Radiation Safety Officer (DRSO) if this course is appropriate for you.
Radiation Safety Certification Program
Ionising Radiation Laboratories
Current Requirements (30 March to 30 September 2020)
The Health & Safety Services, Business Services team have reviewed current requirements for ionising radiation laboratories to renew their laboratory self-certification between 30 March 2020 and 30 September 2020. The following has been implemented for laboratories:
- Continuing to operate, self-certification should continue as per current University requirements.
- Currently non-operational, self-certification that expires during this time will not be required for renewal until after 30 September 2020.
Department Radiation Safety Officers (DRSO) and affected laboratory users should contact the University Radiation Safety Advisor if they require further information.
General Requirements
Laboratories using ionising radiation require University ionising radiation laboratory certification. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that the laboratory:
- complies with legal requirements;
- complies with University requirements; and
- adopts the radiation protection principles when undertaking ionising radiation activities.
The program is undertaken as a self-certification process by radiation laboratory staff and/or the DRSO. The University Radiation Safety Advisor audits a sample number of laboratories annually.
Records of certification are maintained centrally by Health & Safety Services. Certification is repeated biennially.
- Checklist for use during the self inspection is the Ionising radiation laboratory certification checklist
Requirements and guidance materials
Requirements and plan
Risk assessments
| Ionising Radiation | Risk Assessment Form |
| Radioactive Material (open source) | |
| Radiation Apparatus (eg x-ray machine) Sealed Source Apparatus (eg calibration sealed source, moisture gauge) |
- Where corrective actions are required this template can be used with risk assessment templates without a Health & Safety action plan.
- See also Implement on the Management System page.
Additional information and assistance
Your local Departmental Radiation Safety Officer can assist with queries about radiation safety and management specific to your department.
The University Radiation Safety Advisor can provide specialist radiation advice.
Non-ionising radiation
Guidance
Types of electromagnetic non-ionising radiation used at the University include:
- lasers
- microwaves
- ultraviolet
- NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance)
Plant risk assessment can be used as a template to create risk assessments for laser, microwaves, UV and nuclear magnetic resonance.
Training
The Safe Radiation Practices - Laser course is an introduction to basic principles of lasers (of all classes) and their safe use.
It is anticipated that at the end of this training session participants will be able to:
- conduct their activities safely whilst working with lasers.
- Identify hazards associated with laser light.
- Assess risks associated with laser use
- Determine appropriate laser safety controls
- Ensure laser activities undertaken at the University of Melbourne are controlled in a safe manner.
To enrol in Safe Radiation Practices - Laser and complete the course, please log onto TrainMe.
Additional information and assistance
The University Radiation Safety Advisor provides specialist radiation advice to the University community.