Background to radiation protection legislative update in the UK

In 2013, the European Union adopted The Basic Safety Standards Directive (2013/59/Euratom), which is required to be implemented within UK law by 6th February 2018. IRR17 came into force on 1st January 2018.

Other radiation protection legislation in the UK is in the process of being updated. This includes:

The Environmental Permitting Regulations and the Radioactive Substances Act
The Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations
The Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations

What does IRR17 mean for your organisation?

Organisations working with ionising radiation sources need to be aware of the changes that IRR17 will bring about. Aurora recommends that organisations carry out an audit against the requirements of IRR17 as soon as practicable, to ensure compliance. A copy of the regulations can be found here: The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017.

One of the main new requirements that IRR17 introduces is a three-tier, risk based system of notification, registration and consent that replaces the IRR99 requirement for notification and prior authorisation.

An on-line system for doing this is available on the HSE website, and employers must notify, register or apply for consent no later than 5th February 2018.

Registration and consent will involve an employer answering a series of questions relating to its work with ionising radiation and may also involve a small fee.

Notification, registration or consent under IRR17 must be done even if a notification was made previously under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99).