Following recommendations by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the HSE is changing some of the processes associated with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).
From 1 October 2023, employers will need to submit more information when registering or seeking consent for work with ionising radiation:
If applying to register work under regulation 6 of IRR17, you will need to submit information about the extent and purpose of your work.
- If applying for consent for work under regulation 7 of IRR17, you will need to submit a Safety Assessment. A Specialist Radiation Inspector will review the Safety Assessment and we will inspect the work practice before consent is granted.
This will normally take up to three months and you will be charged a fee to recover the HSE's costs.
New assesment forms
A spokesperson for the SoR said: "These are important changes for employers who work with ionising radiations. Senior Managers will be instrumental in registering information about the work undertaken or in applying for consent to practice, including completion of new Safety Assessment forms.
"One of the biggest changes to the consent process will be the undertaking of an inspection by HSE following review of the Safety Assessment and before consent is granted. This is a chargeable service.
"We would advise all Senior Managers whose services involve the administration of radioactive substances to subscribe to the HSE e-Bulletin to receive updates and further guidance on the changes, and to speak to their Radiation Protection Adviser at the earliest opportunity."
Sign up to the HSE e-Bulletin. You can find out more about regulations 6 and 7 of IRR17 in publication L121, 'Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017: Approved Code of Practice'.
For further information email: [email protected].