Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17): A guide

The Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 are in place to legislate occupational exposure to both electromagnetic radiation and particle radiation as well as protect the public from these radiation types. The IRR 17 is relevant to both employers and employees who work with ionising radiations as well as both Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS). Alongside these, the regulations are also relevant to Health and Safety Officers.

IRR17 is made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and imposes specific legal duties on employers working with ionising radiation, which means that any business that operates in an industry where radiation is a risk (radiology for example) then, as an employer you must be compliant with the practices and framework laid out in the legislation. Failure to do so could result, not only in financial damages, but could also result in criminal proceedings being bought against your organisation, in the case of serious incidents.

Get expert advice on ionising radiation from a qualifies Health and Safety professional at Croner. Call today on 0808 501 6651.

• What does the Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR) 17 cover?
• Who does the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 apply to?
• What are the risks of Non-Compliance with IRR 17?
• Get expert advice on the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017

What does the Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR) 17 cover?

IRR 17 deals with the protection of workers and the public from exposure to ionising radiation types. Forms of ionising radiation include electromagnetic energy, such as that in X-rays and gamma rays, plus particle emissions like alpha, beta, and neutron radiation. The main characteristic of ionising radiation is that it has substantial energy to ionise atoms and molecules, this means that it has the power to generate positively and negatively charged particles from electrically neutral atoms and molecules. When this type of radiation passes through matter it gives off energy.

One of the main areas that IRR 17 covers is the creation of the framework that ensures exposure to the various types of ionising radiation from working activities are kept to a minimum as is reasonably practicable and the doses that are unavoidable do not exceed the maximum limits specified for individuals.

The protection outlined in IRR 17 includes:

• Risk assessments.
• Exposure restrictions - As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
• Dose limit maximums for individuals.
• Monitoring and accounting for radioactive substances.
• Classified persons, Radiation Protection Advisors and Supervisors.
• Outside workers and entering controlled areas.
• Suitable Radiation Safety Training.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice and Guidance

The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) provides employers with in-depth advice regarding the duties of IRR 17 requirements and is targeted at employers under the Regulations. However, others may find the information contained in the Approved Code of Practice useful, including radiation protection advisers and supervisors, Health and Safety officers, and safety representatives.

Who does the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 apply to?

IRR 17 applies to any employer that carries out work with ionising radiation, also known as 'radiation employers'. This can include but is not limited to businesses in the following areas of industry:

Medical, dental and veterinary

• Hospitals, dental surgeries and veterinary clinics that use radioactive substances, CT scanners and X-ray equipment, need to be compliant with IRR 17.

The nuclear industry

• This incorporates licensed sites, power stations and sites that process nuclear waste.

Manufacturing and engineering

• This includes industries that incorporate non-destructive testing (NDT) to check welds or the use of products such as specific lamps that contain radioactive isotopes.

Education and research

• Universities and scientific laboratories that utilise radiation generators and/or sealed sources for experiments.

Oil and gas

• Organisations that have workers handling tracers or well-logging devices, have to be compliant with IRR 17.

Aviation

• Occupational exposure to cosmic radiation, means that airlines are considered radiation employers and need to be compliant under IRR 17.

What are the risks of Non-Compliance with IRR 17?

If your business is found in breach of compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 then the following repercussions could happen to your business:

• Employees exposed to radiation.
• Improvement and prohibition notices.
• Prosecution including (fines, reputational damage and cessation of operations).

Health and Safety Inspectors hold statutory powers that helps them enforce Health and Safety Regulations effectively. Local authorities such as Environmental Health Officers can enforce IRR 17 where the work with ionising radiation is not considered the primary work activity.

Get expert advice on the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017

Croner has been advising business owners on everything Employment Law, HR and Health and Safety for over 80 years. Our expert team of Health and Safety professionals are on hand 24/7 to assist with guidance on the latest Health and Safety legislation.

Call today on 01455 858 132.