HSE consultation on changes to the Ionising Radiation Regulation 1999

The HSE has consulted on changes to the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (“IRR 1999”) brought in by the implementation of Directive 2013/59/EURATOM. This EU Basic Safety Standards Directive (the “Directive”) lays down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation.

Ionising radiation is used in a diverse range of industries and sectors including manufacturing, construction, nuclear, engineering, and oil and gas production. Its use can give rise to harmful effects, such that exposure must be managed. HSE states that there is “no ‘safe’ level of exposure to ionising radiation and high doses, such as those expected in an uncontrolled exposure, can kill within a short period of time”.

The Directive seeks to update and simplify existing arrangements for radiological protection by reconciling five directives and an EU commission recommendation into one directive. In order to transpose the requirements relating to occupational health and safety, the HSE proposed to repeal and replace the IRR 1999. IRR 1999 sets out a framework for ensuring that occupational exposure to ionising radiation is kept as low as is reasonably practicable. Measures provided for by the regulations include, for instance, the use of risk assessments, setting of dose limits, and the designation of areas where high exposures are possible. The two main changes brought about by the Directive relate, firstly, to the dose limit for exposure to the lens of the eye and, secondly, to a ‘graded approach’ introducing a new three-tiered risk-based system of regulatory control.

The consultation began on 7 February and ended on 2 April 2017. HSE proposes to transpose the Directive on 1 January 2018.