Radiation protection refers to the set of laws, regulations, and procedures designed to protect the public and workers from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. It is governed by specific legal provisions set out in Legislative Decree No. 101/2020.
This Decree clearly identifies the professional roles responsible for managing the risks associated with ionising radiation:
A mandatory consultant for the employer and a certified specialist, the RPE possesses the expertise required to implement radiation protection principles and oversee physical monitoring.
At the University of Milano-Bicocca, the designated Radiation Protection Experts are:
- Eng. Stefano Giunti – for the Departments of Materials Science, Physics, Biotechnology and Biosciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Dr. Elena De Ponti – for the Department of Medicine and Surgery
A qualified professional responsible for conducting health surveillance of personnel exposed to ionising radiation and for implementing any necessary measures following a significant exposure.
The following are the Authorised doctors at the University of Milano-Bicocca:
- Prof. Michele Riva
- Dr. Maria Emilia Paladino
- Dr. Michael Belingheri
A worker may only be assigned to activities involving the risk of exposure to ionising radiation if the following conditions are met:
- The RPE has classified the worker based on a specific risk assessment, considering factors such as the type of radiation sources, exposure duration, and the availability of personal protective equipment
- The Authorised doctor has conducted a medical examination and issued a specific fitness-for-work certificate based on the classification provided by the RPE. This certificate is valid for one year and must be renewed as part of the regular health surveillance programme
- The worker has received appropriate and specific training. Radiation protection training must be refreshed at least every five years
Radiation protection procedures apply exclusively to personnel who are potentially exposed due to tasks involving the use of radiogenic equipment and/or sources in research or healthcare settings.
To this end, the University’s Health and Safety Office (SPP), in collaboration with the RPEs and Authorised Doctors, has developed a procedure regulating all authorisation and management stages, including:
- Classification
- Medical fitness certification
- Modifications
- Suspensions
- Termination of exposure
► Radiation Protection Procedure: Authorisation and Management Process (available in Italian)