HSE (Radiation)

This link takes you to the HSE website providing resource on appointed doctors (as required under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017). Includes resource on:

The Appointment process
Training of appointed doctors
Application for appointment
Renewal of certificate of appointment
Reviewing performance for the appointed doctor
Extending an appointment
Etc.

Useful HSE resource on the radioactive gas radon, which is a potential hazard in many homes and workplaces in the UK. With respect to the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), employers may be ‘working with ionising radiation’ if they have radon levels above 300 Bq /m3 (annual average concentration). Employers are required to review potential radon levels in their workplace, the result of which may require further monitoring or mitigation (e.g. forced ventilation). Ionactive can provide a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) service for radon exposure in the workplace.

This HSE publication on industrial radiography has been out for some time but now updated to be compatible with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17). Industrial radiography is potentially a high radiation risk undertaking and so requires a consent (unless it takes place in an enclosure where no access is possible). This resource considers enclosure vs open site radiography, risk assessment, planning the radiography, maintenance of radiography equipment, local rules and contingency plans. Of note, the updated resource highlights the new IRR17 regulatory requirement to 'rehearse the operation of the contingency plans periodically'.

The new Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) present a new risk-based approach for information HSE of your use of ionising radiation. Depending on your level of risk you will either make a Notification or Registration to HSE, and in the case of the highest risk, you will need to apply for a consent. In addition to this guidance, you can also contact the Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) at Ionactive for further specific advice.

These Regulations impose duties on employers and those with responsibilities for carrying out activities including optimizing and justifying medical exposures, and administering ionising radiation for diagnostic or treatment benefit. Whilst these regulations are broadly similar to the 2000 regulations (which are now repealed), they do expand requirements in certain areas – for example, formal recognition of Medical Physics Experts, and the licensing of the administration of radioactive substances to persons for diagnosis, treatment or research.

The Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) are the principal set of UK radiation protection regulations for all users of ionising radiation.