Similar to the previous Regulatory Position Statements (RPSs) issued by the Environment Agencies, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) have issued a joint RPS regarding compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) during the coronavirus outbreak.

RPS Overview

The joint Covid-19 Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is currently only valid for the period 11 May 2020 to 10 July 2020.

The RPS addresses a number of IRR17 regulatory requirements affected by the current lockdown. Specifically, it is intended to help dutyholders comply with the Government’s COVID-19 advice, including restrictions on movement and staff shortages, while still achieving appropriate standards of safety so far as is reasonably practicable. This RPS only applies if a dutyholder cannot comply with the elements of the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and Guidance issued for IRR17 due to Covid-19 restrictions; such as personal dosimetry arrangements, medical surveillance of classified persons, testing of radiation monitoring instruments and routine sealed source leak testing.