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Case 6b :

The Uncertified Technician

Boris remembered this line well because he was very unsure of spending two days away from the lab to go to training that he had already completed, more than once, while studying for his MPhil in the Ukraine.

"Per the Radiation Safety Ordinance, all individuals working with ionizing radiation sources in Hong Kong must attend training".

Boris recalled his first discussion with his supervisor about his previous training,

"Given my country's experience with nuclear safety, I would believe my training is very good. Must I do this?"

Given these very strong memories of safety training being required, why, Boris wondered, was there a new female undergraduate research assistant staring at him asking,

"Professor Koo told me I should ask you, 'what should I do'?".

Boris inquired skeptically,

"Have you completed radiation safety training?".

The mysterious new undergraduate replied,

"No, but Professor Koo says I can start to help you today. I am doing an undergraduate thesis with him".

Boris said sternly, as he walked straight to Professor Koo's office,

"No, you may not. You must be trained. I must speak to Professor Koo before you are permitted to be here".

Professor Koo motioned Boris into his office and put down his coffee,

"Yes Boris, what is wrong?".

Boris inquired tentatively,

"Sir, there is an undergraduate student who tells me she is to begin helping in the laboratory. She has not been trained in radiation safety. I am not supposed to let her in the lab. She told me you said it is okay. Is it okay?"

Professor Koo said quickly, gathering his books for class,

"Oh, yes, yes, she can help. She is going to do a thesis with me. She can enroll in the next round of training. Just show her around today. Now, I'm late for teaching my Common Core course. I'll need you to mark the essays for that, remember".

• What are the safety problems to let this new student into the lab?
• What are Boris' obligations as a radiation worker?
• What training should this student have between now and the next training session?
   

Imagine you are Boris:

• How can you balance your obligations as a trained radiation worker and as Professor Koo's student?
• Besides the university Safety Office, what resources are available to you to solve this problem of an untrained student?