Introduction

Radioactive substances, X-ray and stray radiation emitters, and accelerators are used in many departments and groups of TU Dresden. All these substances or devices emit ionizing radiation.

There are some laws which regulate the duties for the protection from ionizing radiation. The most important are the

• Atomgesetz (AtG), the

• Strahlenschutzverordnung (StrlSchV), and the

• Röntgenverordnung (RöV).

These laws are complemented by quite a lot other laws and rules both nationally and internationally.

The duty of the Radiation Protection Office is the implementation and enforcement of the legally required radiation protection actions at TU Dresden.
 

Licenses and Notifications

The majority of handlings of radioactivity or operations of radiation emitting devices requires either a license by or a notification of the authorities. The responsibility for getting these licenses or for these notifications has the Radiation Protection Executive (not the department or group leader).

Thus, before dealing with radioactive substances or radiation emitting devices including stray radiation sources (electron microscopes etc.), you are asked to contact the Radiation Protection Office. Refer to:

What Are Your Responsibilties?

If we come to the conclusion that there is a need to go into a license or notification procedure, then this procedure will be initiated by us, supported by your active cooperation. Refer to:

What Is Our Job? 

Transport of Radioactive Materials

Transports of radioactive materials are in most cases so-called "Gefahrguttransporte".  This is an expression from the german law "Gefahrgutverordnung" which regulates the transport of dangerous materials. Caution: This law is highly complicated! Thus, before organizing a transport of radioactive materials, you are asked to contact the Radiation Protection Office. The Radiation Protection Office supports you both in preparation and realization of these transports.

Responsible Personnel at TU Dresden

The organisation of the radiation protection personnel is defined both by the StrlSchV and the RöV as a very flat hierarchy. In authority for the radiation protection of the whole TU Dresden, in particular for allocation and supply of suitable rooms, equipment, and devices is the so-called "Strahlenschutzverantwortliche", at TU Dresden the chancellor. Almost all resulting duties are organized and carried out by the Radiation Protection Executive.

The organisation and enforcement of the radiation protection at a certain place (lab or device) is the duty of the Radiation Protection Officers. They are appointed to their position by the Radiation Protection Executive. Concerning the radiation protection, the Radiation Protection Officers have authority to a large extent over nearly all personnel at their area of responsibility (with the notable exception of the Strahlenschutzverantwortlicher and the Radiation Protection Executive).

Thus, both the Radiation Protection Executive and the Radiation Protection Officers have authority over group and department leaders concerning the radiation protection.