18th World Conference on Nondestructive Testing, 16-20 April 2012, Durban, South Africa Radiation Safety Practices of Industrial Radiography license holders in South Africa Elijah A MOSOKOTSO 1 , Wayne MOGORU 1 , Ike SIKAKANA 1 , Hugh NEESON 2 1 Department of Non-Destructive Testing and Physics, Vaal University of Technology; Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa Phone: +27 16950 9761, Fax: +27 16950 9794 2 Former Eskom NDT level 3 Engineer Phone: +27 (0) 83 229 4603 E-mail: emosokotso@yahoo.com, waynemogoru@gmail.com, ike@vut.ac.za, neesonhugh717@gmail.com Abstract Compliance with lawful regulations and licensing conditions in industrial radiography has been identified to be problematic by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In South Africa the Department of Health (DoH), Directorate for Radiation Control is legislated to license and monitor the safe utilization of all ionizing radiation. In this work, we first highlight two ‘early’ well documented cases of radiation overexposure and review more recent – not so well documented cases and trends that are evident. All reported cases of industrial radiography overexposure indicate that a lack of proper education and training contributes significantly to these incidents. Further, unrealistic workloads and service providers appetite for profits has also been a major factor. Monitoring and periodic auditing of license holders is identified as a fundamental shortcoming. Staffing of the Directorate for Radiation Control and its ability to prosecute negligent license holders is a possible corrective action that needs urgent attention. Communication and sharing of information between the Radiation Control Directorate and the dosimetry service agencies (South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) – Radiation Protection Services (RPS) and NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd) must be strengthened. In the long term, a repositioned / separate regulatory body is suggested. Keywords: radiation overexposure, Industrial radiographer, radiation dose, radiation incidents. 1. Introduction A study of accidents and incidents is essential for the regulator to assess and tighten all loops holes that may exist in radiation control. It is also essential for the users of NDT radiography, so that they can reflect on their practices and ensure a reliable and safe delivery of inspection. Act 15 of 1973 provides a legal framework for the use of radioactive material, classified as group IV hazardous substances. Regulations relating to group IV hazardous substances, published under Government notice R247 in the Government Gazette 14596 of 26 February 1995, further clarify all aspects relating to and amongst others, application for authority to posses and conditions attached there to. A key aspect of these regulations is found in chapter 3, regulation 6 of the schedule. It addresses the need to appoint a radiation protection officer (RPO) and an acting radiation protection officer (acting RPO). Regulation 6, read in conjunction with regulation 2, sub regulation (1) (b) (v) & (vi), clearly requires the particulars (name, address, occupation, qualification, and experience) of the person being considered for the RPO position. Henceforth, all will thus be controlled, monitored, and recorded through the knowledge and on behalf of the RPO.