Monitoring your radiation exposure

Your personal monitoring device (PMD) usually a badge, monitors your radiation exposure levels and must be worn in any area displaying a radiation warning sign.

PMDs are returned regularly for reading, and the university receives exposure reports for all staff and students. If a report shows a higher-than-expected reading, it will be shared with you, and particularly high doses may require investigation. You can request a copy of your exposure reports anytime by emailing the Radiation Monitoring unit.

If you need a PMD and haven't received one, email radmon@csu.edu.au at least 30 days before starting your work with radiation. Remember, you must not begin any work involving radiation until you have your PMD.

Obtaining a PMD

As a PMD wearer, you're responsible for having a current PMD. 'Changeover Month' occurs twice a year, in July and January, when you exchange your expired PMD for a new one.

In June and December, complete the Radiation Safety Personal Monitoring Device application form to arrange postage or pick-up of your new PMD.

If you're returning from a leave of absence, you'll need to contact Radiation Monitoring and complete the form three months in advance to request a badge.

Returning your PMD

All staff and students must return their PMDs to Radiation Monitoring or a designated contact person by the due date. If you're graduating or taking a leave of absence, you must return your PMD before leaving the university.

PMD wear periods and return dates

• Blue Badge: 1 January – 30 June, return by 31 July
• Yellow Badge: 1 July – 31 December, return by 31 January

Return methods

There are several ways you can return your PMD:

• Place your used PMD on the board in the classroom (if applicable).
• Drop your used PMD in the drop boxes at our campuses:
  • Wagga Wagga - Building 289, NaLSH reception desk
  • Port Macquarie – Building 801, outside room 3048
• Mail your PMD in a padded envelope to:

Charles Sturt University Radiation Monitoring Unit
Building 289, Nathan Cobb Drive
Locked Bag 588
Wagga Wagga NSW 2678

Note: Do not use a paper envelope as the badge may fall out. If the PMD is lost in the mail, you must fill in an incident report with the tracking number.
Failure to return your badge by the due date may result in a $60 fee.

Lost, non-returned or damaged PMDs

The law states that if you're issued with a personal monitoring device as an occupationally exposed person, it is your responsibility to:

• wear the device while using ionising radiation
• return the device in good condition and within the directed time frames.

If you lose your personal monitoring device, you must immediately report it to the university by emailing the Radiation Monitoring team. You will also need to lodge an incident report online.

Failure to return a PMD within the directed timeframes may result in:

• a $60 fee for loss or non-return
• lodging an incident report with details of work done before the PMD was lost
• exclusion from radiation activities until a new PMD is received.

Damaged PMDs due to carelessness or neglect will be treated the same as lost or non-returned devices.

For more details on personal radiation monitoring, please refer to the Radiation Safety Procedure.