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Radiation science

Radiation is naturally occurring and man-made and is all around us. ESR provides expert radiation safety advice, services, training and research to safeguard Aotearoa.

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About

ESR's Environmental Radiochemistry Laboratory has been measuring radioactive forms of elements called radionuclides for more than 50 years.

 ESR can identify radioactivity in substances ranging from soil to air samples. ESR tests for radioactivity in foodstuffs and drinking water. For clients working with radiation, ESR also offer dedicated training, advice and research capability to build knowledge of radiation safety, meet regulatory requirements and ensure best practice principles.

Radiation safety

Radiation safety

ESR’s radiation experts work with a wide range of private and public sector clients to provide advice, services and research capability on public, occupational and medical exposure to radiation. We provide radiation safety training, performance assessments of radiation protection equipment, and measurement of naturally occurring low-level radiation and radioactivity.

We have strong working relationships with global agencies including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and have contributed to the development of the Comprehensive (nuclear) Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). ESR is the preferred supplier of radiological safety expertise to New Zealand's Ministry of Health.

For information on licensing for use of radiation and import of irradiation equipment or radioactive material contact the Ministry of Health’s Office of Radiation Safety

Environmental radioactivity

Environmental radioactivity

ESR's specialised Environmental Radiochemistry Laboratory measures naturally occurring and man-made radionuclides. Our experts can determine and quantify the presence of radioactivity content in a wide range of substances, including food, water, soil, sediment, mining ore and products, biota and air.

Testing carried out by the lab includes testing of drinking waters to show radiological compliance with the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards or overseas standards, soil erosion measurements, sediment analyses for dating, and food certification for export.

Specialist services

Specialist services

We provide advice, services and research capability on exposure to radiation, and the measurement of naturally occurring low-level radiation and radioactivity.

We work with a wide range of private and public sector clients to provide advice, services and research capability on public, occupational and medical exposure to radiation, radiation safety, performance assessment of radiation protection equipment, and the measurement of naturally occurring low-level radiation and radioactivity.

ESR’s National Centre for Radiation Safety (NCRS) has strong working relationships with global agencies including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has contributed to the development of the Comprehensive (nuclear) Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). ESR is the preferred supplier of radiological safety expertise to New Zealand's Ministry of Health.

For information on licensing for use of radiation and import of irradiation equipment or radioactive material contact the Ministry of Health’s Office of Radiation Safety

Radiation safety training and consultancy

Radiation safety training

ESR has a dedicated team to help you develop your knowledge of radiation safety, meet regulatory requirements and protect employees through specialised or tailored training courses. Our expertise covers all areas of radiological safety and security, including medical physics, health physics, transport of radioactive materials, radioactive waste management, emergency response and environmental radioactivity. Our courses cover best practice principles and include a strong practical component. They can be developed to suit your individual needs and held at your place of work if required.  

Industrial Radiation Safety Training Courses

Radiation Safety Officer

This course would be beneficial to people who deal with radiation safety on a routine basis or who are responsible for radiation sources, such as X-ray equipment. This may include operators, managers, supervisors and health and safety professionals with a responsibility to oversee the radiation safety programme at their facility. You will obtain the technical knowledge and competence to act as a Radiation Safety Officer according to the definition in the Office of Radiation Safety Codes of Practice.

ESR offers multiple Radiation Safety Officer courses designed to meet the specific requirements of the relevant Codes of Practice. Our courses include X-ray inspection systems, sealed radioactive materials, unsealed radioactive materials, and industrial radiography.

Transport of Radiation Material

This course is designed for people who transport radioactive material.

Medical Radiation Safety Training Courses

Radiation Safety Officer

This one-day course is based on the radiation protection and safety training requirements of the Code of Practice for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology ORS C1 as they apply to a radiation safety officer (RSO). It is designed for people who already have a basic understanding of radiation safety such as MRTs, but it briefly covers the fundamentals and so is also suitable for managers who may have an interest in acting with their MRT’s assistance in an RSO role, or those who want a better understanding of legislative requirements on the managing entity.

It covers national regulations and international standards; incidents; overview of radiation including its risks and uses; health physicist instruments; principals of radiation safety, quality control and quality assurance, and includes a written assessment. Upon successful completion, you will receive a course certificate. 

Instrument calibrations

Standards Laboratory: ESR provides traceable calibration services for ionising radiation survey meters, contamination meters, electronic personal dosimeters and medical diagnostic radiology X-ray measurement instruments (radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography and CT). 

Get in touch

To register your interest in radiation safety training or to learn more about courses relevant to your profession, or to inquire about calibration services contact us at NCRS@esr.cri.nz

Testing & Analysis

Testing & analysis services

ESR's specialised Environmental Radiochemistry Laboratory tests a large range of sample types, including food, water, soil, sediment, mining ore and products, biota and air samples.

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