Radiation Protection Glossary

A radiation protection glossary for Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS), Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and anyone else interesting in radiation safety terms and definitions. The glossary is a mixture of health physics , phrases related to radiation protection legislation, transport, practical safety, technical terms and similar.

Search the Glossary by either clicking on a letter or typing a keyword into the search box. This glossary is relational so when looking at one term you can click through to other related terms as required.

For formal advice, see our Radiation Protection Adviser pages. 

Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)

Published: Oct 12, 2018

    Tags:
  • RPA
  • RPA2000
  • Radiation Protection Adviser
  • Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017
  • IRR17

[Ionactive provides Radiation Protection Adviser services]

A Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) is a title used in the UK and is given to those who are competent to advise employers on the safe and compliant use of Ionising Radiations. The post is a legally recognised position and is a requirement of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. The RPA needs to be appointed by the employer in writing, where the scope of the advice required is clearly defined. The employer also needs to determine if the RPA is suitable to advise on the types of sources of ionising radiation being used. The RPA is required to show the employer that they are 'competent' to be an RPA, this competence being formally and legally recognised (e.g. by RPA2000).

Further advice and guidance can be found in our FAQ resources area: What is an RPA (Radiation Protection Adviser)?

In radiation protection I spend most of my time explaining to clients what they do not need to worry about.

– Mark Ramsay -