Radiation safety training for managers
16/06/2008
Research shows that a significant number of NDT contractors still fail to adopt routine working practices capable of keeping radiation exposures of employees as low as reasonably practicable: this is the main requirement of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99). Incidents occur because of poor job planning (most notably with site radiography); failure to use adequate local source shielding (collimation); or inadequate systems of work.The HSE is taking forward a number of initiatives aimed at improving this sector's performance at managing radiation protection. This includes a free information sheet 'Industrial radiography – managing radiation risks' Ionising Radiation Protection sheet IRP1 and an inspection and advice programme.
Site radiography contractors need to give the HSE at least seven days advance notification. This period of time is deemed necessary to enable consultations between client and contractor to take place, to review risk assessments and to allow any necessary variations to be incorporated into the local rules. These processes must be built into the planning of the job.
With regard to training, Regulation 14 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) requires that employees receive adequate and appropriate information, instruction and training in the field of radiation protection and further specifies a number of other requirements. HSE inspectors have noted that the standards required by this regulation, or indeed good radiological protection practice, are not always met. Furthermore, employers who employ 'professional' staff are often failing to check whether these staff have received appropriate training.
All employees working with ionising radiations and those likely to be affected by that work must receive adequate and appropriate training. This applies to employees of all ranks, even those who are highly qualified in a particular field, and an employer should always ensure that they have received the proper training.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) offers a course: 'Radiation Safety for Managers' with the aim of providing attendees with sufficient knowledge of the legal requirements relevant to working with, or keeping, sources of ionising radiation, to enable them to fulfil their legal obligations and achieve a good standard of radiation protection in the workplace.
On completion of the course, those attending will:
- Understand the nature and properties of the various types of ionising radiation and the need to restrict exposure;
- Be aware of how ionising radiation is used in the workplace, and recognise actual or potential sources;
- Have a broad understanding of when and how the following apply:
- The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
- The Radioactive Substances Act 1993
- The High Activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005
- The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007
- The Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000
- The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001.
- 10.00 – Ionising radiation (nature & properties, associated hazards, units)
- 11.30 – Ionising radiation in the workplace
- 13.00 – Review of relevant legislation
- 13.45 – Planning for radiation work
- 15.00 – The management of radiation safety (key requirements of IRR99)
- 16.00 – Discussion.
