IRR99 Guidance - Part 4 - Designated Areas

The strict legal requirements under IRR99 for local rules are focussed on Controlled Areas. However, the regulations also allow for their use – where appropriate – in Supervised Areas.

For the purpose of enabling work to be carried out in accordance with IRR99, every radiation employer should make and set down in writing local rules that are appropriate to the radiation risk and the nature of the work. The radiation employer must then take all reasonable steps to see that they are brought to the attention of relevant persons and are observed.

To assist the employer with this duty, the radiation employer needs to appoint one or more suitable Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) and include the names of such individuals in the local rules.

As discussed in our guidance for IRR(16), there are some good reasons why a radiation employer will designate an area even where expected doses might suggest otherwise. There are equally good reasons - and legislative requirements – for appointing a ‘RPS Type of Individual’ even where the legally defined RPS role is not strictly necessary. Examples of where this might be so include:

• Appointing a RPS to ensure that general duties under the MHSW Regulations (e.g. implementing health and safety arrangements) are in place
• Appointing a 'RPS' for the purposes of achieving radiation material accountancy and security (e.g. for the Radioactive Substances Act 1993)
• Appointing a RPS to act as the eyes and ears of the employer – in addition to any statutory role they may have
• Appointing a RPS to reassure others in the workplace

It is generally recognised as good practice, for all employers who utilise anything other than the most trivial sources of ionising radiation, to appoint one or more RPS's and use local rules to assist in meeting compliance with IRR99 (and the ALARP principle).

Radiation Protection Supervisor Training

Employers are required to ensure that local rules are suitable, and that the RPS has received adequate information, instruction and training. These two important duties are very much part of our RPS Training Courses. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit our RPS Training Services page.