Ionising Radiations Regulations

Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR) are a set of legal requirements in the United Kingdom designed to protect workers and the public from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. These regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and apply to all workplaces where ionising radiation is used or naturally occurs. The IRR were first introduced in 1985 and have undergone several revisions, with the most current version being the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).

Overview

The Ionising Radiations Regulations are based on the principles of radiation protection including justification, optimisation, and dose limitation. These principles aim to ensure that any use of radiation is justified in that the benefits outweigh the risks, that exposures are kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), and that individual dose limits are not exceeded.

Justification

Under the IRR, no practice involving exposure to ionising radiation is allowed unless it is justified by showing that the benefits to individuals and society from the practice outweigh the health risks.

Optimisation

The principle of optimisation, often referred to as ALARP, requires that exposures to ionising radiation are kept as low as reasonably practicable, taking into account social and economic factors.

Dose Limitation

Dose limits are set for occupational, public, and medical exposures to ensure that no individual is exposed to ionising radiation unnecessarily or to an extent that could be harmful.

Key Requirements

The IRR set out a number of key requirements for employers and radiation protection supervisors, including:

• Risk Assessment: Employers must assess the risk of exposure to ionising radiation and implement measures to control these risks.
• Local Rules and Radiation Protection Supervisors: Workplaces where ionising radiation is used must establish local rules and appoint a Radiation Protection Supervisor to ensure compliance with these rules.
• Controlled and Supervised Areas: Areas where there is a risk of significant exposure must be designated as controlled or supervised areas, with appropriate measures to restrict access and control exposures.
• Monitoring and Health Surveillance: Employers must monitor radiation levels and the health of workers who are exposed to ionising radiation.
• Training: Workers who are exposed to ionising radiation must receive appropriate training on the risks and precautions associated with radiation.

Regulatory Framework

The IRR are part of a broader regulatory framework for radiation protection in the UK, which includes the Environmental Permitting Regulations for the disposal and discharge of radioactive substances and the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (REPPIR) for emergency preparedness.

Compliance and Enforcement

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing the Ionising Radiations Regulations. Non-compliance can result in enforcement actions, including fines and prosecution.

Conclusion

The Ionising Radiations Regulations are a critical component of the UK's radiation protection framework, ensuring that the use of ionising radiation in workplaces is conducted safely and responsibly. By adhering to the principles of justification, optimisation, and dose limitation, employers can protect workers and the public from the potential health risks associated with ionising radiation.