14-20 – ​Ionizing Radiation Sources in the Canadian Cadet Organizations

Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)

General

1. During inspections of cadet units it was discovered that many items being used as training aids contained an ionizing radiation source.  This is typical in many artefacts including compasses and various other items such as aircraft instruments, vehicle instruments and various historical artefacts donated by sponsors and other civilian agencies.

2. The Department of National Defence (DND) policy found in Nuclear Safety Orders and Directives (NSOD) regarding this type of material is that no person under the age of 16 years of age is to be exposed to it.  This zero tolerance policy, consistent with international recommendations, will be adhered to in the Canadian Cadet Organization (CCO). Additional information regarding this policy can be found in Defence Administrative Orders and Directive (DAOD) 4002-0 and DAOD 4002-1.

3. A program to remove all items containing ionizing radiation sources from cadet units has now been completed.  To ensure that no further items are introduced and the CCO is in compliance with all regulations regarding items containing ionizing radiation sources, the policy and procedures outlined in this Cadet Administrative and Training Order (CATO) shall be followed.

Awarness Training

4. All personnel enrolling in the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) will be made aware of the policy regarding ionizing radiation sources on their Basic Officer Qualification (BOQ) course.  Potential Commanding Officers (COs) will review the policy when attending a CO’s course or equivalent training venue.

5. The Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) COs will appoint designated officers at the RCSUs who will be available to assist cadet unit staff in implementing the procedures outlined in this CATO.  Standard Terms of Accountability (TOA) are detailed at Annex A.

6. COs of cadet units shall ensure that their staff is aware of the procedures to be followed when being offered items or material for training, historical display or any other function.  This review should be done prior to the commencement of each training year.

Procedures

7. Due diligence requires that before any item offered, donated, purchased as a training aid, added to a unit historical display or any other use, it must be determined that it is free of ionizing radiation sources.

8. The following is a list that includes items that may be unacceptable.  Any item not on this list but whose origins are unknown should be treated as suspect until proven otherwise:

1. watches, clocks compasses;
2. aircraft panels and instruments;
3. military vehicles panels and instruments;
4. marine instruments;
5. airport runway and road markers;
6. gun and artillery sights; and
7. radios and other electronic equipment.

9. Should a suspect item be offered, donated, purchased or otherwise made available to the unit, the following procedure will be initiated:

1. the item will be immediately placed in a plastic bag;
2. the bag will be stored in a location inaccessible by cadets.  This location shall also be in a place where it would not contaminate items already proven to be free of ionizing radiation; and
3. the detachment/RCSU OPI advised immediately of the problem.

10. The OPI, once advised of a suspect item, shall make arrangements for it to be inspected by a Radiation Safety Officer (Rad SO).

11. Once the status of the item is confirmed, arrangements for its return to normal use or removal from the unit will be made by the OPI.

12. Should testing be required (e.g. gamma surveys and/or swipe testing) to validate that items and areas are free of ionizing radiation sources, the OPI will liaise with the unit to determine appropriate scheduling at the soonest possible time to complete these and any subsequent inspections or tests.  Where local support in not available or resources do not permit, Director - Cadets (DCdts) will arrange for alternate support.

13. It must be emphasised that due diligence requires that all staff be aware of the zero tolerance policy in force regarding nuclear substances and ionizing radiation and their responsibility for its enforcement.

Annex

Annex A

​​Terms of Accountability RCSU and DET Radiation Safety – OPI

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OPI:  D Cdts 5

Date:     Jul 06

Change:  Ch 5/06