High-activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005, No. 2686 (as amended)

The High-activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005 is a set of regulatory guidelines aimed at ensuring the safe and secure management of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources.

The primary purpose of these regulations is to protect public health and safety, as well as the environment, from the harmful effects of exposure to ionising radiation. They seek to achieve this by establishing strict controls and requirements for the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources.

Requirements:

1. Registration and Licensing: Individuals or organizations in possession of high-activity sealed radioactive sources or orphan sources must register with the appropriate regulatory authority. Licenses are issued based on demonstrated competence and compliance with safety standards.
2. Security Measures: Implementing robust physical security measures to prevent unauthorised access, theft, or loss of radioactive sources. Maintaining an inventory of all radioactive sources, including their location, condition, and status.
3. Transportation and Packaging: Strict protocols for packaging and transporting radioactive sources to minimise the risk of accidents or exposure during transit.
4. Radiation Safety Measures: Establishing and enforcing safe working practices to protect individuals handling radioactive sources from excessive radiation exposure.
5. Notification and Reporting: Promptly reporting any incidents, accidents, or loss of radioactive sources to the regulatory authority.
6. Disposal and Decommissioning: Ensuring proper disposal or decommissioning of radioactive sources in accordance with established procedures.

These regulations apply to a wide range of entities, including:

1. Industrial Facilities: Manufacturers, users, and distributors of high-activity sealed radioactive sources.
2. Medical and Research Institutions: Hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories using radioactive sources for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
3. Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges utilising radioactive sources for educational and research activities.
4. Waste Management Companies: Entities responsible for the safe collection, transportation, and disposal of radioactive waste.
5. Regulatory Authorities: Government agencies tasked with overseeing compliance and enforcement of these regulations.

Overall, the High-activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005 play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and the environment by imposing strict controls on the management of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources.

The High-activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005 mandates specific evidence requirements to ensure compliance with safety and security measures related to high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources. These requirements help verify that individuals or organisations are effectively managing and handling these sources in a safe and responsible manner. The key evidence requirements include:

1. Registration and Licensing Documentation: Evidence of registration with the appropriate regulatory authority, demonstrating legal possession and use of radioactive sources.
2. Security Measures Documentation: Records and documentation demonstrating the implementation of physical security measures, such as access controls, surveillance systems, and secure storage facilities.
3. Inventory and Records: Comprehensive inventory records detailing the types, quantities, and locations of radioactive sources, along with their current condition and status.
4. Transportation and Packaging Records: Documentation verifying adherence to proper packaging and transportation protocols, including records of packaging materials used and transport routes.
5. Radiation Safety Procedures and Training Records: Documentation of established radiation safety procedures, training programs, and records of personnel training and qualifications.
6. Notification and Reporting Documentation: Records of incident reports, including details of any accidents, losses, or unauthorised access to radioactive sources, along with the actions taken in response.
7. Disposal and Decommissioning Records: Documentation demonstrating compliance with procedures for the proper disposal or decommissioning of radioactive sources, including records of waste management and disposal methods.
8. Compliance Audits and Inspections: Records of internal and external audits, inspections, and assessments conducted to evaluate compliance with the regulations.
9. Documentation of Corrective Actions: Records of any corrective actions taken in response to non-compliance or identified safety and security issues.
10. Training and Competency Certificates: Certificates and documentation verifying the training and competency of individuals handling radioactive sources.

These evidence requirements are crucial for regulatory authorities to assess and verify compliance with the High-activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005. They help ensure that individuals and organisations are maintaining the highest standards of safety and security in the handling of high-activity sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources, thereby minimising potential risks to public health and the environment.