Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) are a statutory instrument which form the main legal requirements for the use and control of ionising radiation in the United Kingdom. The main aim of the regulations as defined by the official code of practice is to "establish a framework for ensuring that exposure to ionising radiation arising from work activities, whether man made or natural radiation and from external radiation or internal radiation, is kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) and does not exceed dose limits specified for individuals".^[2]

The Regulations

Background

The regulations came into force on 1 January 2000, replacing the 'Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985'. They effectively implement the majority of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive '96/29/Euratom' under the auspices of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.^[2] This European Directive is in turn a reflection of the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.^[3]

The regulations are aimed at employers and are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive(HSE). They form the legal basis for ionising radiation protection in the United Kingdom (UK), although work with ionising radiation is also controlled in the UK through other statutory instruments such as the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 and the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.^[2]

The IRR99 make legal requirements including prior authorisation of the use of particle accelerators and x-ray machines, the appointment of radiation protection supervisors (RPS) and advisors (RPA), control and restriction of exposure to ionising radiation (including dose limits), and a requirement for local rules. Local rules including the designation of controlled areas, defined as places where "special procedures are needed to restrict significant exposure".

Ionising and non-ionising radiation and associated health risks

The regulations impose duties on employers to protect employees and anyone else from radiation arising from work with radioactive substances and other forms of ionising radiation.^[4] In the United Kingdom the Health and Safety Executive is one of a number of public bodies which regulates workplaces which could expose workers to radiation.^[5] Radiation itself is energy that travels either as electromagnetic waves, or as subatomic particles and can be categorised as either 'ionising' or 'non-ionising radiation'.^[6] Ionising radiation occurs naturally but can also be artificially created. Generally people can be exposed to radiation externally from radioactive material or internally by inhaling or ingesting radioactive substances.^[7] Exposure to electromagnetic rays such as x-rays and gamma rays can, depending on the time exposed, cause sterility, genetic defects, premature ageing and death.^[8] Non-ionising radiation is the terms used to describe the part of the electromagnetic spectrum covering 'Optical radiation', such as ultraviolet light and 'electromagnetic fields' such as microwaves and radio frequencies.^[9] Health risks caused by exposure to this type of radiation will often be as a result of too much exposure to ultraviolet light either from the sun or from sunbeds which could lead to skin cancer.^[10]

Key areas of the regulations

The regulations are split into seven parts containing 41 regulations.^[4] under the following sections.

• Part I Interpretation and General
• Part II General Principles and Procedures
• Part III Arrangements for The Management of Radiation Protection
• Part IV Designated Areas
• Part V Classification and Monitoring of Persons
• Part VI Arrangements for the Control of Radioactive Substances, Articles and Equipment
• Part VII Duties of Employees and Miscellaneous

Dose Limits

In addition to requiring that radiation employers ensure that doses are kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) the IRR99 also defines dose limits for certain classes of person. Dose limits do not apply to people undergoing a medical exposure or to those acting as 'comforters and carers' to such.

Relationship to international policy

International policy relationships in radiological protection

The accompanying diagram shows how global research affects national legislation. Research inform the recommendations of the ICRP, which in turn influences national legislation through their recommendations.

References

1. ↑ Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, s.84; reg.12
2. 1 2 3 HSE | code of practice Work with Ionising Radiation - Introduction page 6
3. ↑ The Council of the European Union | Council directive 96/29/Euratom laying down the basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation
4. 1 2 Legislation.gov.uk | The Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 - explanatory note
5. ↑ HSE | Radiation
6. ↑ Devereux, T. 'Health and safety for managers, supervisors and safety representatives', Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, 2008 p. 240 ISBN 978-1-904306-84-9
7. ↑ HSE | Ionising radiation
8. ↑ National Institute of Health | What are the adverse effects of Ionising radiation
9. ↑ HSE | Non Ionising radiation
10. ↑ Cancer help | Non Ionising radiation

<references/

External links

• The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
• 96/29/Euratom