What is the primary responsibility of a radiation safety officer (RSO)?

The primary responsibility of a radiation safety officer (RSO) is to oversee and implement radiation safety programs and practices. This role is crucial in ensuring that all activities involving radiation are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations and guidelines designed to protect the health of workers, patients, and the public. The RSO develops and enforces safety protocols, conducts training for staff on radiation safety practices, and maintains records related to radiation exposure and safety compliance.

This oversight includes assessing the radiation protection needs within the facility, conducting safety audits, and reacting to any incidents that may arise. By maintaining a strong safety program, the RSO helps to minimize exposure to radiation and ensures that all staff are knowledgeable about safe handling and use of radiation.

While conducting routine patient examinations and developing new radiation therapy techniques are important tasks within a medical or therapeutic setting, these activities fall outside the scope of the RSO’s primary responsibilities. Similarly, monitoring environmental radiation levels may be a relevant duty but is often part of a broader range of tasks that an RSO might oversee rather than their main focus. The core function remains the establishment and implementation of safety programs to protect individuals from the hazards associated with radiation.