In the event of a radiation safety related emergency, please contact the Health Physics Department at ext. 24226, or Security at ext. 88 after working hours.
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Health Physics

Health Physics Advisory Committee

Under the Radiation Protection Regulations of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), every licensee is required to implement a Radiation Safety Program that meets specified requirements. Additional requirements for radiation safety programs arise from legislation promulgated by provincial and municipal authorities. At McMaster University, the responsibility for establishing and continually reviewing the radiation safety program is delegated by the Office of the President to the Health Physics Advisory Committee (HPAC).

Overview

The HPAC is charged with the following responsibilities:

  • Informing the President and Senior Management of the hazards related to the use of nuclear substances and radiation devices and to regulate their use as requested by the President.
  • Establishing and continually reviewing an adequate radiation safety program at McMaster University.
  • Create and implement policies, programs and systems required to establish, maintain and verify the University’s compliance with radiation protection regulations promulgated by federal, provincial and municipal authorities.
  • Granting authorizations and restricting use of nuclear substances and radiation devices within the limits prescribed in the applicable CNSC licenses for the work, taking into consideration the risks and benefits to the University of the work.
  • Suspending, if necessary, the use at McMaster University of radioactive material or equipment that emits ionizing radiation, regardless of the source of authorization.
  • Providing radiation protection services on a contractual basis at McMaster University locations to non-McMaster University organizations. Such organizations must obtain a separate CNSC license specifying that they will conform to this radiation safety program and the requirements of the HPAC.

Note: The HPAC has no authority with respect to patient safety in medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedures

Membership

The Health Physics Advisory Committee includes members who are committed to radiation safety at McMaster University. This includes not only some Health Physics staff members, but also other individuals within the Faculty of Science.

Name Representative of Voting Member*
Byun, Soo Hyun Physics & Astronomy Yes
Farrell, Tom Interdisciplinary Science Yes
Cappon, Derek Director, Nuclear Facilities & Operations Yes
Igdoura, Suleiman Biology, Pathology & Molecular Medicine Yes
MacDonald, Maureen Faculty of Science No
Knights, Andy VP Research No
Tucker, David VP Research Yes
Sheffield, William Pathology & Molecular Medicine Yes
Stark, Jim External Appointment Yes
Valliant, John (Chair) Chemistry & Chemical Biology Yes
Werstuck, Geoff Medicine (TaARI), Biochemistry & Biomedical Science Yes
Zic, Josip Health Physics No

Terms of Reference

Protected: Meeting Minutes

The Health Physics Advisory Committee holds meetings when necessary, at least twice a year.