Radiation Protection Glossary

A Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) is a formal post required by the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17). Under IRR17, an employer who works with ionising radiation is required to appoint one or more employees to the position of RPS - the main purpose of this is to supervise the radiation safety aspects of the work against Local Rules (also required by IRR17). The RPS must attend a formal RPS training course - one such course is run monthly by Ionactive (as well as online 24/7). In addition to formal training, the RPS must be suitable - not only do they need to understand the technical radiation protection matters and the source they are working with, but they must also be confident to intervene when standards fall below expected levels. Of particular importance is to know what to do when things go wrong and assist in implementing contingency plans.