Ionactive Radiation Protection Blog

A blog article exploring how the casual use of AI (artificial intelligence) to produce information / FAQ type resource for inclusion into social media (such as LinkedIn) can have unintended consequences. We have seen many cases where probably well meaning individuals have posted content quite obviously made by AI, which is a complete nonsense, and which would be instantly called out by subject experts. In this article we look at one such case where an info graphic shows the use of leaded aprons in industrial radiography.  However, at Ionactive we will also convert a criticism into a learning experience - so let's explore the issues. 

< 7.5 micro Sv/h [or < 7.5 μSv/h] is so ingrained in UK radiation protection practice, that it has seeped into radiation standards (or at least practice) in places outside the UK (e.g. we have seen it used in UAE). In the UK this dose rate criteria does not appear in the IRR17 statutory instrument (SI), but is mentioned in the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and guidance. Where does it originate from, and what is the basis for its use in modern radiation protection practice in the UK? In this article Ionactive takes a look backwards and discovers that elements of older legislation, particularly definitions (interpretations), could still be useful today in 2026! In doing so we also examine older interpretations of dose rate.

We can't quite believe we have written this blog article, or needed to write it. We were made aware today (April 2026) of an individual applying for a job and submitting an Ionactive RPS certificate which was a fake. It appears they found an Ionactive RPS certificate online from a delegate who had chosen to present their pride of joy on social media. Having obtained the certificate image they then altered the name, date and certificate number and submitted this important health and safety document as evidence of their competency to work with ionising radiation.  Now we are over the initial shock, we feel there are some good learning points here for training providers (like Ionactive and our competitors), delegates, and employers who accept certification as part of an employment application process.  

An Ionactive blog series featuring interactive content available within our online RPS and refresher training courses (and other courses). For this article we feature a simple inverse square law radiation protection widget which helps visualise this important concept. 

Care has to be taken with the graded approach to radiation risk  - as presented in the UK Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17). Some might even say it can present a case of the law of unintended consequences! Take electron beam welding for example. Create an electron beam via a cathode -  accelerate electrons in an electric field of 60 kV & 60 mA  (for example), towards a donut shaped anode, and upon exiting, focus with electromagnets onto a metal object within a vacuum. Here you perform welding and in doing so alter the structure of products or materials. You are operating a radiation generator, and in addition to creating a high energy electron beam you will be producing x-rays via bremsstrahlung. In fact, according to IRR17 and the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), you are undertaking the specified practice of industrial irradiation. For this you need a consent (and everything that goes with it).

This blog article is a case study using several freely available Ionactive radiation protection resources (radiation widgets, articles and calculators), to determine the skin dose to a finger following contamination by radioactive F-18.