Radiation Inspector

There are many different kinds of inspectors at Health Canada with countless different specialties. Radiation inspectors work with devices such as tanning beds, X-ray machines, power lines and laser pointers to ensure that they do not emit a higher level of radiation than what is specified as "safe" in the Radiation Emitting Devices Act. Radiation technicians also study the effect of the sun's rays on the human body.

Duties

Radiation inspectors have a wide range of duties including:

• Promoting awareness of new Tanning Equipment Regulations and Laser Regulations by revising the website, notifying media, and attending workshops/trade shows/conferences
• Looking for and investigating radiation-emitting devices for non-compliance and making appropriate recommendations to industry for correcting any problems
• Providing health and safety advice by responding to inquiries and publication requests from the general public, industry and other government departments and agencies
• Conducting laser light show risk assessments (i.e. in conjunction with Transport Canada, ensuring that laser lights at outdoor concerts do not interfere with airplanes.
• Evaluating the risk of other radiation-emitting devices (i.e. laser pointers, UV money-detectors) and protective equipment (i.e. sunglasses: if they claim to protect against UV rays, do they really?)
• Promoting the Sun Awareness Program, which informs people about how to stay safe in the sun
• Writing and revising content for the "Sun Safety," "Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity," "Power Lines," and "Vitamin D3 and Sunlight" Web sections
• Conducting experiments on genes exposed to UV in the presence or absence of sunscreen

Working Conditions

A radiation inspector's time is divided between an office, a laboratory and some field work. The inspector responds to concerns or inquiries by phone or e-mail in the office, conducts research on various radiation-emitting devices in the lab, and goes to various sites to inspect radiation-emitting products, particularly if there has been a complaint.

Qualities

Radiation inspectors need the following characteristics:

• problem solving skills
• curiosity
• patience
• good interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• the ability to multi-task
• organizational skills
• the ability to synthesize information

Salary

Rates of pay for inspectors in the Federal Public Service

Other Requirements

• Knowledge of relevant regulations
• Experience performing investigations
• Experience writing reports on and for private industry
• Laser Safety Officer Certification

What makes the job fun, according to one radiation inspector?

"It's never the same. There is so much variation in the kind of work a radiation inspector does that it never gets boring. You get to play around with some really cool gadgets, time is divided between lab work, office work and field work and you get to deal with the public often, so it keeps you on your toes!"
(Michelle Cybulski, HC radiation inspector, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch)