Radiation Safety and Wellness Webinars
Based on the feedback from the Lunch, Learn, and Dance Wellness Webinar series, we are back with more. People had different ideas of how to improve the series; we were asked for webinars with guest speakers, technical webinars for those working in the field, and to continue webinars for a general audience. They also wanted variety in the wellness portion. One thing was common: everyone said we should continue. Similar to our previous series, we are continuing to bring you radiation safety content along with wellness sessions to support your overall well-being.
As the series develops, information about the sessions will be posted here and on our social media sites. As they complete, we will change the registration links to a link to the video recording and any resource materials. We’re glad to be back, and hope you can join us!
| 2022-2023 | Description | Video & Notes |
| Nov 16, 2022: Energy Efficiency & Radon – Making the Connection | As part of Radon Action Month, Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol of Simon Fraser University, Dr. Noah Quastel of the BC Lung Foundation, and Pam Warkentin of CARST joined us to discuss the impact of energy efficiency measures on indoor radon levels. While ensuring our homes and buildings are energy efficient is of great importance, doing so can increase the amount of this invisible carcinogen trapped indoors. The webinar includes information on health, safety, and the legal landscape, as well as solutions going forward. Whether you are homeowner, renter, or indoor worker, this information is for you. It is particularly relevant to those in energy efficient homes and buildings, and those in the construction, home renovation, building management, energy efficiency, radon testing and radon mitigation industries. The 40-minute radiation safety portion was followed by a 20-minute health movement break in the form of beginner Tai-Chi led from home by Charlmane Wong. Charlmane is an instructor at Ji Hong Tai Chi & Qi Gong in Richmond Hill, Ontario. | Video: https://youtu.be/QEfn_dDxg-w |
| 2021-2022 | Description | Video & Notes |
| Nov 30, 2021: Radon | In our first webinar of our new series, Pam Warkentin from the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) and Kelley Bush from Health Canada join us to discuss why and how you should test your home for radon, and what to do with the results. This 40-minute discussion was followed by a 20-minute mindfulness session facilitated by Theresa Meikle of Mindful Pathways. | Video: https://youtu.be/lzd1MVGd-lY |
| April 13, 2022: Global Systems of Radiation Protection | Since the war in Ukraine began, there have been several incidents of concern regarding the safety of nuclear power plants in the country, including at Chornobyl. News stories have varied sources mentioning different organizations, many of which may be unfamiliar. This webinar speaks to radiation protection in the nuclear industry on a global level. After an introductory presentation, Mike Haynes, Health Physicist and consultant with the Institute, answers questions about health physics, radiation protection in the nuclear industry, the global efforts to ensure safety, and how to find reliable sources of information as the story unfolds. He also takes questions from the participants. Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in Prince Edward Island leads us through yoga and meditation exercises for the wellness portion. | Video: https://youtu.be/s38moIfY17g |
| April 28, 2022: National Day of Mourning | The 3rd webinar in our Radiation Safety & Wellness Webinar series recognizes the National Day of Mourning on April 28, 2022. On this day we acknowledge and remember all workers who have been injured, become ill, or passed away as a result of their work. The webinar includes a short presentation which gives an overview of the history of nuclear power and uranium mining at Elliott Lake. This is followed by an interview and Q&A with John Perquin, retired Assistant to the International Secretary-Treasurer, United Steelworkers and one of the members of the Board of the Institute. Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in Prince Edward Island leads the wellness session including yoga and meditation practices. | Video: https://youtu.be/nFCxa22MZ2Y |
| May 19, 2022: Preparing for an X-Ray Inspection in a Health Care Setting | Our guest, Lothar Doehler, radiation protection consultant at RadiationProtectionGuy, has extensive radiation protection experience with both the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD) in Ontario. Lothar spoke to the expectations found within the HARP Act and Regulation 543 (Ontario) and discussed best practices in running an x-ray safety program and preparing for an inspection. While the requirements for an x-ray inspection vary by province, anyone interested in the topic can learn from someone who has worked at a senior level in this field. During the interview with Mr. Doehler, discussed topics such as facility organization, the role of the Radiation Protection Officer, worker credentials, and the powers of inspectors and answered questions from participants. Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in Prince Edward Island leads the 20-minute wellness break. | Video: https://youtu.be/wyK3VYeRvqM |
| May 26, 2022: Solar Radiation and Sun Safety at Work | To help outdoor workers prepare for increased exposure to sunlight in the coming months, we spoke with Dr. Cheryl Peters, PhD, about occupational exposures to solar radiation. One of her many roles is as the principal investigator at CAREX Canada, a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in Canadians’ exposures to known and suspected carcinogens. Cheryl informed us about outdoor workers’ increased risk of exposure to solar radiation, the largest industrial groups exposed, level of exposure and the impact of these exposures, occupational exposure limits for solar radiation in Canada and internationally, as well as best practices for employees and workplaces to lower the associated cancer risk that comes from working outdoors. She also gave information about CAREX Canada, their research focus, and resources available for the public, workers, and employers. Our 20-minute wellness break was led by Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in PEI. | Video: https://youtu.be/Kr25j8WBGts |
| June 9, 2022: Transportation of Nuclear Materials | Our guest, Brian Bjorndal, is the Director of RSIC’s Fergal Nolan National Laboratories. He has a M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Saskatchewan and over 20 years of experience in radiation safety and occupational health and safety in industry, academia and research. The webinar begins with a short presentation on the terminology, jurisdiction, and regulatory structure for transporting this dangerous good category. It then moves to the interview Brian, which includes the steps to prepare a package for transport, required documents, and placards. There is also information about what needs to be done in case of an accident. Mr. Bjorndal answers questions from the participants following the interview. The wellness yoga and meditation break is led by Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in Prince Edward Island. | Video: https://youtu.be/TntPetZ8Xwg |
| June 14, 2022: Survey Instrument Calibration | The webinar begins with a short presentation on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission requirements for instrument calibration. The main content in the webinar is a online tour of RSIC’s calibration laboratory featuring a Cs137 source, with participants asking questions of Brian Bjorndal MSc PPhys, Director of the Fergal Nolan National Laboratories, and Octavian Mavrichi MSc, Radiation Scientist. As part of our Radiation Protection and Wellness Webinar Series (https://radiationsafety.ca/services/webinars/), The final 20 minutes of the hour-long webinar is 20-minute wellness break led by Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in Prince Edward Island. | Video: https://youtu.be/cfX9h4LiE_I |
| June 29, 2022: Preparaing for an X-Ray Inspection in an Industrial Setting | Our guest, Lothar Doehler, radiation protection consultant at RadiationProtectionGuy, has extensive radiation protection experience with both the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD) in Ontario. Lothar speaks to the expectations found within Regulation 861: X-Ray Safety for those in industry and discussed best practices in running an x-ray safety program and preparing for an inspection. As part of our Radiation Protection and Wellness Webinar series, we conclude with a 20-minute wellness break with Mandel Fraser of PowerYoga West in Prince Edward Island. | Video: https://youtu.be/xU0FZ10WxFc |
Lunch, Learn, and Dance Wellness Webinars
Taking a whole-body view to wellness, we developed a series of 15 webinars which were presented from February until June, 2021. Each webinar included a half-hour long information session in a topic pertaining to radiation safety and a half-hour dance session to get us moving. Below are links to recordings of the information session portion of the webinars along with supporting materials.
| Date | Topic | Description | Link to Video & Notes |
| Feb 4 | Understanding Radiation | In our first webinar, we give an overview of matters concerning radiation and radiation safety for workers and other members of the public. | Video: https://youtu.be/O592tGWXt98 PDF Slides: Understanding Radiation Q&A: Understanding Radiation Q&A |
| Feb 11 | Radiation Awareness for Health Care Workers | In this session, we introduce some fundamental concepts of radiation safety as it applies to a health care setting. | Video: https://youtu.be/6gIAna5wpmI PDF Slides: Radiation Awareness for Health Care Workers |
| Feb 18 | Uses of Radiation | Radiation is used in many different ways. Discover where you might encounter radiation in the workplace and the community based on industry and type of radiation. | Video: https://youtu.be/tUPgaHlMMgU PDF Slides: Uses of Radiation |
| Feb 25 | Health Effects of Exposure to Radiation | What are the health effects of being exposed to radiation, and how is this determined? Join this webinar to find out. | Video: https://youtu.be/qI6qGF9eapE PDF Slides: Health Effects of Exposure to Radiation Q&A: Health Effects of Exposure to Radiation Q&A |
| Mar 4 | Radiation Safety in the Operating Room | This webinar provides an overview of sources of radiation, health effects of radiation, radiation protection principles, radiation safety, and dosimetry as it applies to the operating room setting. | Video: https://youtu.be/QWUJ7BR6Up4 PDF Slides: Radiation Safety in the Operating Room Q&A: Operating Room Q&A |
| Mar 11 | PPE and Dosimetry | Learn how PPE and dosimetry are used to protect workers from exposure to radiation in the workplace. | Video: https://youtu.be/r4FxgMe9tbg PDF Slides: PPE and Dosimetry |
| Mar 18 | Mathematics Review | Brush up on the mathematics skills related to half-lives, shielding, and cancer risk. Topics include exponents, logarithmic functions, and probability. | Video: https://youtu.be/OKwkq2TEHOE PDF Slides: Mathematics Review |
| Apr 1 | Regulatory Bodies and International Agencies | Who ensures that radioactive sources and x-ray machines are used safely in the workplace? This webinar will cover agencies in Canada and around the world responsible for radiation safety, their particular responsibilities, and the resources they provide. | Video: https://youtu.be/v4j3zQq9nTQ PDF Slides: Regulatory Bodies and International Agencies |
| Apr 8 | EMF & Wifi | Learn about EMF and Wifi: what they are, sources, health effects, and exposure guidelines. | Video: https://youtu.be/ZIXPObLn59I PDF Slides: EMF and WiFi Q&A: EMF and WiFi Q&A |
| Apr 22 | Radon | We are all exposed to radiation daily. Radon is an odourless, colourless, radioactive gas which can build up inside buildings. Learn what it is, how it is detected, and how to mitigate for it. | Video: https://youtu.be/dBx_teeE7Yo PDF Slides: Radon Q&A: Radon Q&A |
| May 6 | Laser Safety | The webinar will explain how light and lasers work, the health hazards associated with using lasers, and the principles of laser safety. | Video: https://youtu.be/lLzkdF9SYnY PDF Slides: Laser Safety Q&A: Laser Safety Q&A |
| May 13 | Radiation Safety Issues in PET/CT | This webinar gives an overview of what PET/CT is, the types of ionizing radiation used in PET/CT, doses, and radiation safety concerns. It includes a number of resources for PET/CT safety, including the http://canadasafeimaging.ca/ initiative. | Video: https://youtu.be/DRdYU8ic6lQ PDF Slides: Radiation Safety Issues in PET/CT References & Resources: PET/CT R&R Q&A: PET-CT Q&A |
| May 27 | NORM Awareness | Learn about naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and the Canadian NORM guidelines. | Video: https://youtu.be/FaPnYysQV8Y PDF Slides: NORM Awareness |
| Jun 10 | Mining – All About Airborne Hazards | This webinar covers aspects of radon, diesel, and silica awareness for workers in the mining industry. | Video: https://youtu.be/2KzcmzBsJrA PDF Slides: Mining – All About Airborne Hazards References and Resources: Mining Airborne Hazards R&R Q&A: Mining Airborne Hazards Q&A |
| Jun 17 | Ultraviolet | This session will explain what ultraviolet light is, what it can be used for, and health concerns due to exposure to UV light. | Video: https://youtu.be/GDYXBF29ShY PDF Slides: Ultraviolet References and Resources: Ultraviolet R&R |
Find the recordings of past webinars here:
| Date | Description |
| May 26, 2017 | Foundations of an X-Ray Safety Program for Industrial X-Ray Users |
| Jun 21, 2017 | Introduction to Radon for High Water Use Facilities |
| Jun 29, 2017 | Safety in Fluoroscopy for Staff and Patients |
| Jul 13, 2017 | Radiation Safety in the Workplace |
| Aug 9, 2017 | Foundation of a Radiation Safety Program (Nuclear) |
