Environment (radiation)

D-values are used by the Environment Agency (EA), SEPA and the UK police advisers (CTSA) to determine the source category and appropriate security measures for sealed sources, where this cannot be assessed directly from the use/practice. D (Danger) values are in TBq, and the quotient A/D (where A is the activity of a source in TBq) are used to determine source category. In the UK some sources are already categorised for security and this will then take precedence over A/D. For those into dosimetry calculations and assessments behind D values, section 3 onwards explain in detail how the values are derived.

Essential resource for anyone in Wales who needs to apply for, comply with or revoke a permit made under the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016. This will cover the use of sealed radioactive sources, unsealed radioactive materials and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste. You might notice that the documents are more or less identical to the English versions, but devolution dictates that this is now managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Essential resource for anyone in Scotland who needs to apply for, comply with or revoke an authorisation made under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018. This will cover the use of sealed radioactive sources, unsealed radioactive materials and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste. You may notice that this scheme is similar to that run under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93).

If you are having fun using the Pollution Inventory Electronic Data Capture System (PIEDC) to submit annual radioactive waste returns, then this guidance document is well worth a read :)

Essential resource for anyone in England who needs to apply for, comply with or revoke a permit made under the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016. This will cover the use of sealed radioactive sources, unsealed radioactive materials and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste.

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.