What is the role of the Radiation Safety Officer in a radiological program?

• A. Oversees the radiation safety program, approves RWPs, conducts training and audits, maintains dosimetry, and responds to incidents and questions.
• B. Manages payroll and orders PPE.
• C. Schedules tours and handles visitor sign-in.
• D. Develops marketing materials for safety.

Answer: (A)

The role tested is the leadership and stewardship of the radiological safety program. The Radiation Safety Officer oversees the entire program to ensure proper protection measures are in place and followed. This includes approving written radiation work permits or procedures, ensuring that each job involving radiation has documented safety controls before work begins. They direct training so all staff know how to work safely and respond to emergencies, and they conduct audits to verify procedures are being followed and to identify areas for improvement. They manage the dosimetry program, keeping track of worker exposures, ensuring dosimeters are issued and read, and maintaining accurate dose records. They respond to incidents and questions, investigating exposures or alarms and coordinating corrective actions and regulatory reporting as needed. This combination of program oversight, training, verification, exposure monitoring, and incident response is what keeps the radiation program compliant and safe. Other administrative tasks like payroll, scheduling tours, or marketing materials aren’t part of the RSO’s core responsibilities.