REGDOC-2.2.3, Personnel Certification, Volume I: Exposure Device Operators, Version 1.1

Preface

This regulatory document is part of the CNSC’s Human Performance Management series of regulatory documents, which also covers personnel training and fitness for duty. The full list of regulatory document series is included at the end of this document and can also be found on the CNSC’s website.

Regulatory document REGDOC-2.2.3, Personnel Certification, Volume I: Exposure Device Operators, Version 1.1 provides, through a reference, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s requirements and guidance for certification as an exposure device operator (EDO) and for renewal of an EDO certification, pursuant to the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations. This information is detailed in a Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) document; where regulatory information is already available, this document points to that information to promote clarity and avoid discrepancies between sources.

Version 1.1 updates the reference to CSA PCP-09: Exposure Device Operator Personnel Certification Guide – Revision 1, which was published in August 2021.

1. Introduction

An exposure device is a device that contains a sealed nuclear substance that is used in industrial radiography to evaluate the internal structure and integrity of metals and other materials in pipelines, welds, castings and building structures. To protect the health, safety and security of workers, the public, and the environment, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates the personnel who are allowed to operate exposure devices in Canada.

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this regulatory document is to provide, through a reference, the CNSC’s requirements and guidance for certification as an exposure device operator (EDO) and for renewal of an EDO certification. This information is detailed in a Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) document.

1.2 Scope

This document applies to any person seeking certification as an EDO or seeking to renew their EDO certification pursuant to the Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices Regulations (NSRDR).

1.3 Relevant legislation

The provisions of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and its regulations relevant to this document include:

1. Paragraph 21(1)(i) of the NSCA states that “The Commission may, in order to attain its objects, certify and decertify persons referred to in paragraph 44(1)(k) as qualified to carry out their duties under this Act or the duties of their employment, as the case may be;”
2. Paragraph 37(2)(b) of the NSCA states that “The Commission may authorize a designated officer to certify and decertify persons referred to in paragraph 44(1)(k) as qualified to carry out their duties under this Act or the duties of their employment, as the case may be;”
3. Paragraph 44(1)(k) of the NSCA states that “The Commission may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, make regulations respecting the qualifications for, and the training and examination of, analysts, inspectors, nuclear energy workers and other persons employed in a nuclear facility or other place where a nuclear substance or prescribed equipment is produced, used, possessed, packaged, transported, stored or disposed of, and prescribing the fees for the examination of analysts, inspectors, nuclear energy workers and such other persons;”
4. Section 24 of the NSRDR states that “No person other than a certified exposure device operator, or a trainee who is acting under the direct supervision and continuous observation of a certified exposure device operator, shall operate an exposure device.”
5. Section 25 of the NSRDR states that “The Commission or a designated officer authorized under paragraph 37(2)(b) of the Act may certify a person as an exposure device operator after receiving an application that includes the following information:
   1. the person’s name and business address;
   2. the person’s training and experience; and
   3. evidence of the successful completion by the person of an examination recognized by the Commission.”

2. Exposure Device Operators

Pursuant to the NSRDR, only a certified exposure device operator (EDO) or a trainee acting under the direct supervision and continuous observation of a certified EDO is allowed to operate an exposure device. Any person who wishes to be certified as an EDO or who wishes to renew their EDO certification must submit an application to the CNSC.

The CNSC’s requirements and guidance for certification as an EDO and for renewal of an EDO certification are specified in the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) document CSA PCP-09, Exposure Device Operator Personnel Certification Guide – Revision 1. CSA PCP-09 was produced by the CSA Group with assistance from a committee of experts from the radiography industry, the CNSC and other government departments. The document, along with additional information on EDOs and EDO certification, is available on the CNSC website.

Reference

1. CSA Group, PCP-09, Exposure Device Operator Personnel Certification Guide – Revision.

CNSC Regulatory Document Series

Facilities and activities within the nuclear sector in Canada are regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). In addition to the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and associated regulations, these facilities and activities may also be required to comply with other regulatory instruments such as regulatory documents or standards.

Effective April 2013, the CNSC’s catalogue of existing and planned regulatory documents has been organized under three key categories and twenty-six series, as set out below. Regulatory documents produced by the CNSC fall under one of the following series:

1.0 Regulated facilities and activities

2.0 Safety and control areas

3.0 Other regulatory areas

Note: The regulatory document series may be adjusted periodically by the CNSC. Each regulatory document series listed above may contain multiple regulatory documents. For the latest list of regulatory documents, visit the CNSC’s website.