Saahim Khan: Trainee Radiation Protection Adviser

Saahim Khan

BSc Physics, 2023

Trainee Radiation Protection Adviser, Aurora Health Physics

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

A Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) is a radiation safety professional as defined by the UK Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17). The requirement for an RPA is defined within IRR17.

An employer in the UK needs to at least consult with an RPA, and in most cases appoint them, where they work with ionising radiation. That could be things like radioactive substances (in the form of sealed or unsealed sources) or with radiation generators such as X-ray equipment.

This could also include companies who have employees which may be occupationally exposed to naturally occurring radioactive radon gas in the workplace.

My appointment also includes laser protection adviser (LPA) training, which involves consultancy with clients making use of lasers and artificial optical radiation.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

The variety - you get the opportunity to work with, and visit, so many different types of client.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Analysis and report writing have been key - the ability to conduct an investigation, ask questions, collect evidence, and then write a suitable report on the findings.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

No, I didn't have a clue – but I had a passion for Physics.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

If you really have a passion for Physics/Science, then keep exploring different roles and companies. Despite all my time spent doing physics, I still had no idea the RPA role existed until I was in my final year. And get your driving license!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

Talk to people - you'll do your best work if you take all the help you can get.