As part of the overall refocusing of the activities within the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the past three years have seen a tremendous increase in the amount of training courses which have been developed and presented by members of the Department to the University community. Radiation Safety Courses were held. A total of 229 faculty, students and research technicians were trained in these sessions. The University Radiation Safety Committee, presently chaired by Dr. W. Racz, instituted the requirement for every individual who is listed on a Researcher's Permit to attend this training offered by the University's Radiation Safety Officer. This requirement greatly enhances the amount of training received by individuals and further assists the University's Research Community in complying with the requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission by ensuring a consistent delivery of safety practices and regulatory requirements.
Individuals continue to receive the work site specific training from the individual permit holder.
In addition, two courses were held for students from St. Lawrence College to allow them to complete placements at Queen's University in laboratories that use radioisotopes. These courses were held prior to the students coming onto campus and beginning their placements. The department is seeing a significant increase in the demand for these course, particularly from the Field Research area, due primarily to the increased awareness of safety related issues in that area. Fire Extinguisher Courses Short Courses in fire safety and handling of fire extinguishers were presented to staff and graduate students. During the period approximately 200 people received training.