The Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017, No. 229 (as amended)

The Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 is a set of regulations that govern the use and handling of ionising radiation in Northern Ireland. These regulations are designed to ensure the protection of workers, the general public, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

The purpose of the regulations is to establish a framework for the safe use, storage, and disposal of ionising radiation sources. They aim to minimize the risks associated with ionising radiation by setting out specific requirements and responsibilities for employers, employees, and other individuals involved in activities involving ionising radiation.

The regulations cover a wide range of requirements, including the following key aspects:

1. Risk assessment: Employers are required to assess the risks associated with ionising radiation and implement appropriate measures to control and mitigate those risks.

2. Authorization and notification: Certain activities involving ionising radiation require authorization or notification to the relevant regulatory authority. This ensures that only qualified and responsible individuals or organizations are allowed to work with ionising radiation sources.

3. Radiation protection: The regulations establish dose limits for radiation exposure, both for workers and members of the public. Employers are responsible for monitoring and controlling radiation levels to ensure compliance with these limits.

4. Training and information: Employers must provide adequate training and information to employees who work with ionising radiation. This includes training on the potential hazards, safe working practices, and emergency procedures.

5. Radiation monitoring and record-keeping: Employers are required to carry out regular monitoring of radiation levels and keep records of exposures. This helps ensure compliance with dose limits and allows for the identification of any trends or potential issues.

The Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 apply to a wide range of sectors and activities, including healthcare, industrial radiography, nuclear power, research, and education. They apply to employers, self-employed individuals, employees, and other persons involved in activities that generate or use ionising radiation sources.

Compliance with these regulations is essential to safeguard the health and safety of individuals working with or exposed to ionising radiation and to prevent any potential harm that may arise from its use.

The Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 impose various evidence requirements to ensure compliance with the regulations and to demonstrate that appropriate measures are in place to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the risks associated with ionising radiation. Here is a summary of the evidence requirements under these regulations:

1. Risk assessment: Employers are required to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify the hazards and risks associated with ionising radiation in their workplace. The risk assessment should be documented and should include an evaluation of potential exposure levels, potential health effects, and the effectiveness of existing control measures.

2. Written procedures: Employers must establish and maintain written procedures for working with ionising radiation. These procedures should outline the necessary precautions, safe working practices, and emergency procedures to be followed. The procedures should be based on the findings of the risk assessment and should be readily available to employees.

3. Authorization and notification: Certain activities involving ionising radiation require prior authorization or notification to the relevant regulatory authority. This typically applies to activities such as the use of radioactive materials or the operation of certain types of radiation equipment. The authorization or notification documents serve as evidence that the activities have been approved or reported to the regulatory authority.

4. Training records: Employers must keep records of the training provided to employees who work with ionising radiation. These records should include details of the training content, the date of training, and the names of the individuals who received the training. The training records demonstrate that employees have been adequately trained and informed about the risks and safe practices associated with ionising radiation.

5. Monitoring records: Employers are required to monitor radiation levels in areas where ionising radiation is present. Monitoring records should be maintained, indicating the results of the monitoring activities. These records provide evidence of compliance with dose limits and help identify any trends or areas that require further attention.

6. Incident records: In the event of a radiation incident or accident, employers must keep records detailing the incident, including the nature of the incident, the individuals involved, and the actions taken to mitigate the effects. These incident records serve as evidence of prompt reporting and appropriate response to incidents.

7. Maintenance records: Employers must keep records of the maintenance, testing, and inspection of radiation equipment and systems. These records demonstrate that the equipment is regularly checked and maintained in good working order, ensuring its safe and reliable operation.

It is important for employers to maintain these records as evidence of compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017. The records provide a means to demonstrate that appropriate measures have been implemented and followed to protect against the risks associated with ionising radiation.