A Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for overseeing an organization’s radiation safety program and ensuring the safe, secure, and compliant use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment.

The RSO helps protect workers, the public, and the environment while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations from agencies such as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Agreement State radiation control programs.

Typical responsibilities of an RSO include:

• Radiation protection program oversight

• Regulatory compliance and licensing support

• Radiation surveys and exposure monitoring

• Personnel dosimetry management

• Radiation safety training

• Audit and inspection preparation

• ALARA program implementation

• Incident response and corrective actions

Radiation Safety Officers support a wide range of industries including medical, research, industrial, manufacturing, radiopharmaceutical, fusion, and advanced nuclear operations.

Benchmark Health Physics provides Radiation Safety Officer support, program development, audits, training, and regulatory consulting tailored to the needs of modern radiation safety programs.

Yes. Benchmark Health Physics supports organizations with radioactive materials licensing applications, amendments, renewals, and regulatory strategy.

We assist clients with application development, radiation safety program documentation, procedures, training programs, and regulatory interface support for both the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Agreement State agencies.

A radiation protection audit evaluates whether a facility’s radiation safety program is compliant, effective, and aligned with regulatory and operational expectations.

Audits may include reviews of:

• Radiation safety procedures

• Dosimetry and exposure records

• Training documentation

• Surveys and instrumentation

• Radioactive material inventory controls

• Posting and labeling practices

• Waste management

• ALARA implementation

• Worker practices and field observations

Independent audits help identify issues early and support inspection readiness.

Training frequency depends on regulatory requirements, license conditions, job responsibilities, and facility operations.

Most programs require initial training before work begins and periodic refresher training thereafter. Effective training programs reinforce safe work practices, regulatory requirements, emergency response expectations, and ALARA principles.

Common issues identified during audits and inspections may include:

• Incomplete training records

• Inadequate surveys or documentation

• Weak radioactive material inventory controls

• Calibration deficiencies

• Outdated procedures

• Insufficient worker awareness

• Incomplete corrective actions

• Weak ALARA implementation

Routine program assessments help identify and correct issues before they become regulatory findings.

Yes. Many organizations benefit from outsourced or fractional Radiation Safety Officer support when full-time staffing is not necessary.

Fractional RSO services can provide:

• Regulatory oversight

• Program management

• Inspection support

• Training coordination

• Procedure development

• Audit support

• Technical consulting

This model helps organizations maintain compliance while controlling overhead costs.

Yes. Benchmark Health Physics supports organizations with complete radiation protection program development tailored to their operations, regulatory requirements, and growth plans.

Program development may include:

• Radiation safety procedures

• ALARA programs

• Training programs

• Monitoring and dosimetry programs

• Waste management processes

• Emergency response planning

• Licensing support

• Audit and assessment programs

Personnel dosimetry is the process of monitoring and documenting radiation exposure received by workers. Dosimetry programs help ensure occupational doses remain within regulatory limits and ALARA goals.

Common dosimetry methods include:

• Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs)

• Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) badges

• Electronic dosimeters

• Extremity dosimeters

• Bioassay programs for internal exposure monitoring

Support timelines depend on project scope, regulatory deadlines, and operational needs. Some services, such as audits, training, or regulatory consultation, may be scheduled quickly, while licensing projects and shielding evaluations may require additional coordination and technical review.

We work closely with clients to support urgent operational and compliance needs whenever possible.