Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) Services
Our Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) services are available to all sectors of UK industry, commerce, research and teaching – they are suitable for most sources of ionising radiation in the workplace.
Formal advice from an RPA, and their appointment in writing, is usually a requirement of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99), and in practice also the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) in Scotland and the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2010/2011 for the rest of the UK.
We provide a Qualified Expert (QE) service in radiation safety for our international clients,
contact us directly to discuss specific requirements.
We would also like to draw your attention to our online ‘
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) Guidance’ notes (
link opens in new window).
Mandatory RPA Consultation (IRR99)
The following matters require mandatory RPA consultation. This applies to open and closed radioactive sources as well as x-ray generators.
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- Requirements for Controlled and Supervised designated areas
- Prior examination of plans for installation (and acceptance into service) of new or modified sources of ionising radiation. This relates to engineering controls, design features, safety features - in fact any feature which is designed to restrict exposure
- Calibration of equipment provided for the routine and non-routine monitoring of sources of ionising radiation. This also includes provision of advice on the regular checking and service of such equipment
- The periodic examination and testing of engineering controls, design features, warning features and similar which are provided to restrict exposure to ionising radiation. This advice extends to the written systems of work and procedures as well as the physical control measures
- These requirements are contained in Schedule 5 of IRR99
RPA Advice: technical and administrative arrangements
In addition to mandatory consultation described above, IRR99 requires that users of ionising radiation also seek advice as is necessary for observance of the regulations, other legislation and best practice. This normally extends to providing advice on the technical and administrative arrangements for radiation protection and will include:
- Risk assessments
- The decision making process for designating areas as Controlled or Supervised
- The investigation of incidents and accidents involving ionising radiation
- Contingency Arrangements (including development and practice)
Available advice extends further still, encompassing all matters contained in IRR99, RSA93, other UK legislation and international directives and standards. Examples include:
- Content and approval of local rules and systems of work designed to restrict exposure
- Radiation protection policy and management procedures
- The justification, selection, purchase, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
- Onsite inspections of work areas
- Radiation Protection Training
- Transportation of radioactive materials
Specific advice is also available for particular sources and circumstances
- Source specific advice (e.g. RPA for Niton / Portable XRF applications)
- Registrations and Authorisations (required by RSA93)
- Environmental discharge and radiological assessments
- Best Practicable Means (BPM), Best Practicable Environmental Options (BPEO) and Management assessments and procedures
- Radioactive source security including HASS
Services
Key Legislation
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99)
Users of open and closed radioactive sources, x-ray sets or other radiation generator are required to adhere to specific conditions made in these Regulations. These include prior risk assessment, restriction of exposure, appointment of radiation protection adviser and training.
Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2010
These regulations replace RSA93 in the UK (except Scotland). They are designed to bring radioactive substances and waste regulation within the general permitting regime adopted for other types of hazardous substances and wastes. Registrations and Authorisations are replaced by ‘permits’. Permits are based on types of use and security classification and may be combined (e.g. open sources and waste).
The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 93)
This Act requires users to be registered in order to keep and use of radioactive material, and authorised to accumulate and dispose of radioactive waste. Registrations and authorisations set down conditions including provision of adequate management arrangements, use of Best Practicable Means and limits on radioactive material acquisition and waste disposal. This Act is only valid in Scotland (UK).
Carriage of Dangerous Goods & Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regs 2009
These regulations regulate the safe transport of all types of hazardous materials including radioactive substances and waste. However, except for certain derogations, most of the substance of regulation is referenced to ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route).
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations
REPPIR applies to premises and certain transportation operations. Where radioactive material, above specified quantities, is handled or stored then REPPIR will apply (unless disapplication is allowed, e.g. use of non-dispersible sources on a premises). REPPIR includes hazard identification and risk evaluation, emergency plans, consultation and prior information to the public.
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000
IRMER is designed to protect individuals undergoing medical exposures and to ensure that persons involved in medical uses of ionising radiation are adequately and appropriately trained. The regulations require a number of specific post holders including the operator, the referrer, the practitioner and medical physics expert. They also require specific written procedures including patient identification, diagnostic reference levels and quality assurance.
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