What is the correct process for reporting a radiological incident to internal stakeholders and regulatory authorities?

• A. Inform RSO and supervisor; document incident; complete internal report; notify and file required regulatory reports per jurisdiction; preserve evidence.
• B. Ignore it.
• C. Only inform external authorities.
• D. Wait until next annual review.

Answer: (A)

Reporting radiological incidents follows a clear flow that combines immediate internal action with regulatory compliance. Inform the Radiation Safety Officer and your supervisor right away so containment, initial risk assessment, and assignment of corrective actions can begin without delay. Then document the incident carefully and complete an internal report, capturing what happened, when and where it occurred, who was involved, any potential exposures or doses, alarms or instrument readings, and the steps taken to control and decontaminate. This internal record creates a traceable basis for investigation, learning, and accountability within the program. After the internal steps, notify and file the required reports with regulatory authorities according to the jurisdiction’s timelines and formats. Regulators require timely external notification and the proper documentation to determine compliance and to protect workers and the public. Preserving evidence—dosimetry, instrument logs, containment actions, exposure estimates, and any contaminated materials—ensures the investigation can proceed with integrity and supports any regulatory review. Skipping internal reporting, delaying external reporting, or ignoring the incident is not acceptable and increases risk and potential regulatory consequences.