Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017

Radiation exposures in the workplace are controlled by the IRR17 made under the HSW etc Act.  Beyond the application of statutory annual dose limits the over-riding control is the requirement to ensure that all radiation exposures are ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP).

For work with radioactive sources or X-rays the employer’s specific responsibilities may include:

Registration [reg 6]

Work with ionsing radiation must first be registered with the HSE via the following link:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/notification-process.htm.

This is a one-time only process and once in receipt of the registration certificate an employer can commence the practice without delay.

Radiation risk assessment [reg 8]

An assessment is required of both the day-to-day operational risk and the risk of accidents resulting in potential exposure. This should be in place before commencing the application for Registration and involve an accredited RPA.

Restriction of exposure [reg 9]

Dose restriction should be ensured by the application of suitable safety features and warning devices, supported by written instructions for avoiding high levels of exposure.

Maintenance and examination of engineering controls [reg 11]

All safety features and warning devices should be properly maintained and periodically examined and tested, with documentary evidence.

Contingency plans [reg 13]

Where reasonably foreseeable accidents are identified in the risk assessment, contingency plans must be set down in writing for preventing the accident occurring and limiting any exposures should they occur.

Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) [reg 14]

A suitable RPA must be consulted for advice on compliance with the IRR17.  RPAs must be accredited by an HSE recognised scheme for ensuring the quality of advice.

Information, instruction and training [reg 15]

The RPS must be formally trained in the basic principles of radiation protection, exposure controls and the regulatory requirements.  This training may take the form of a short session with the RPA or a course of several days, depending on the nature and extent of the radiation work.

Operators of the equipment, or those who work in close proximity should be instructed by the RPS in the requirements of the Local Rules.  Contractors or visitors to the site are informed of the presence of the radiation hazard (i.e. by prominent warning signs, lamps and legends).

Co-operation between employers [reg 16]

Where employees of one organisation are potentially at risk of exposure from the actions of another organisation,  there must be exchange of information to allow each side to comply with the Regulations.

Controlled Areas [reg 17]

Areas where the dose rate exceeds 7.5 microSieverts per hour are designated Controlled Areas with restricted access.  Typically, physical barriers or shielding are used to restrict accessible exposures to as low as reasonably practicable.

Local Rules [reg 18(1)]

This document provides a summary of working arrangements for ensuring continued radiation safety where there’s an opportunity for exposure. It needs to be concise and relevant to the use of the radiation source(s) and include contingency plans for accidents.

Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) [reg 18(5)]

The RPS has the duty to ensure that the Local Rules are properly observed. They should be formally appointed in writing by senior management and their duties provided in the appointment letter.

Dose monitoring for classified workers [reg 22]

Classified workers entering a Controlled Area should wear personal dosimetry in order to record their exposure. Dosimetry must be issued by an Approved Dosimetry Service.

Radiation monitoring [reg 20]

Where an employer designates a Controlled Area regular dose rate monitoring should be performed to check the continued correct designation, with the necessary record keeping. Radiation monitors should be calibrated on an annual basis.

Classified persons [reg 21]

All employees aged 18 or over who are likely to receive an annual whole-body doe greater than 6 msv, or more than 15 mSv (eye) or 150 mSv (skin or extremities), must be designated as a Classified Person and provided with personal dosimetry.

Sealed source leak tests [reg 28(3)]

Leakage tests to confirm the integrity of the sealed sources are required to be performed at least every 2 years.

Critical examinations [reg 32(2)]

those who erect or install radiation equipment at the point of commissioning must perform a critical examination of all the fitted safety features and warning devices, and undertake a survey around the equipment to confirm the absence of significant leakage radiation.

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