Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

The purpose of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) is to ensure that exposure to ionising radiation, resulting from any work activities, is kept As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). However, the ALARP argument is superseded if the dose (in Sieverts) resulting from the work with ionising radiation exceeds certain thresholds that are established for various population groups in the IRR99. Excluded population groups in terms of dose limits are patients undergoing medical exposure and any associated comforter or carer (friend or relative not health-care worker) who understands (emphasis on radiation employer to be sure of this) and willingly takes the risks involved with ionising radiations.

The IRR99 is split into seven discrete parts, containing a sum total of 41 regulations. Nine schedules accompany these 41 regulations. The IRR99 can be found through the external link. The main concepts of the IRR99 are: general principles, procedures, and risk assessments; arrangements for management of radiation protection; control of areas; control of people; control of radioactive substances and equipment; accident preparedness.

In legal terms, 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 regulations came into force on 1st January 2000, replacing the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985. The IRR99 effectively implement the majority of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive 96/29/Euratom under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This European Directive is in turn a reflection of the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP60). IRR99 is aimed at employers and is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The IRR99 form the legal basis for ionising radiation protection in the UK, although work with ionising radiation is also controlled in the UK through other statutory instruments, of which the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (NIA65) and the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) are significant.

The IRR99 make legal requirements including prior authorisation of the use of particle accelerators and x-ray machines, the appointment of "radiation protection advisors", 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".

External links

* [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19993232.htm The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999]
* [http://ec.europa.eu/energy/nuclear/radioprotection/doc/legislation/9629_en.pdf 96/29/Euratom]