Ionising radiation safety

Ionising radiation occurs as either electromagnetic rays: x-rays and gamma rays or particles: alpha and beta particles. It occurs naturally from the radioactive decay of natural radioactive substances but can also be produced artificially.

People can be exposed externally to radiation from a radioactive material or a generator such as an x-ray set or internally, by inhaling or ingesting radioactive substances.

To support the local rules and ensure their implementation, we have a health and safety sub-group – Ionising Radiation Sub-Group (IRSG). For more information, please see the Health and Safety Group and Sub-Groups page.

Local rules for use of ionising radiation

We have strict rules on the use of ionising radiation:
(Last updated Aug/Sept 2022, unless stated otherwise)

• Contents (.pdf)
• Status and scope (.pdf)
• Emergency and contingency plan (.pdf)
• Section 1 - Regulatory aspects (.pdf)
• Section 2 - Permits (.pdf)
• Section 3a - Roles and responsibilities (.pdf)
• Section 3b - Radiation workers (.pdf)
• Section 4 - Schemes of work and prior risk assessment (.pdf)
• Section 5 - Ordering radioisotopes, x-ray generators and instruments containing radioactive material (.pdf)
• Section 6 - Record-keeping: use, accumulation and disposal (.pdf)
• Section 7 - Laboratory procedures (.pdf)
• Section 8 - Monitoring of radiation (.pdf)
• Section 9 - Designation of radiation areas (.pdf)
• Glossary and bibliography (.pdf)

Appendices

• Appendix 1 - Introduction to radiation (.pdf)
• Appendix 2 - Radiation data (.pdf)
• Appendix 3 - Legal dose limits (.pdf)
• Appendix 4 - Dose estimation (.pdf)
• Appendix 5 - Radiation Protection Advisers (.pdf)
• Best Available Technique assessment (.pdf)

Forms

• Form 1 - Workers registration (.doc)
• Form 2 - Visiting workers registration (.doc)
• Form 3 - Training record (.doc)
• Form 4 - Scheme of work application for approval (.doc) and Scheme of work application guidance (.pdf) (Updated July 2023) 
• Form 5 - Record of accumulation and disposal form (.doc)
• Form 6 - Isotope ordering and delivery (.doc)