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 Supervisor (RPS)

The Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) is an statutory appointment required by the UK Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17). The RPS is responsible for ensuring that work with ionising radiations is in compliance with the safety systems and procedures described in the local rules made under IRR17. For a more detailed explanation you may wish to read this resource: What is a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)?

The definition of 'safe' is not strictly an engineering term; it's a societal term. Does it mean absolutely no loss of life? Does it mean absolutely no contamination with radiation? What exactly does 'safe' mean?

– Henry Petroski -