Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Salary

The position of a radiation safety officer (RSO) is employed primarily by companies in the health care and medical research industries. Most companies are searching for applicants with a Bachelor's degree in Health Physics, although some prefer Master's degrees and others will accept Associate's degrees. The amount of experience required also varies, as some organizations require as little as two years of experience while others may prefer up to twelve.

Radiation safety officers must be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of products, particularly Word and Excel. They generally work in laboratory environments and may be on their feet and walking frequently throughout the day. They are responsible for ensuring that radiation safety and environmental compliance are met by all levels of the organization, and developing plans and procedures to meet these goals. They will also perform on-the-job audits at laboratories throughout the organization and bioassays and leak-testing to ensure safety standards are met.

RSOs are also responsible for keeping documentation of surveys and assays, as well as their results. They may also need to provide training and/or other education as necessary to staff members to ensure compliance with safety regulations. They must monitor all hazardous waste disposal while searching for new methods to improve radiation safety, and may occasionally be asked to respond to spills or other hazardous events. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Tasks

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Investigate and monitor any over exposure incidents.
• Plan and coordinate radiation safety sessions.
• Track and record all radioactive materials or sources and oversee transportation.
• Perform regular safety audits, tests and leak surveys.