External radiation protection links

This link takes you to a PowerPoint presentation (this will either load upon clicking the link or will download to your browser download folder) on radiotherapy accidents. It makes quite shocking reading and is a valuable educational resource.

This is a top-level international IAEA document which covers the transport of radioactive materials by road, air, and sea. These are designated ‘Safety Requirements’ and are the basis for transport regulations around the world (including EU Directives). Transport comprises all operations and conditions associated with, and involved in, the movement of radioactive material. For example, these will include the design, manufacture, maintenance, and repair of transport packaging, and the preparation, consigning, loading, carriage and receipt at the final destination of loads of radioactive material and packages.

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.

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).