There have been a number of changes in legislation relating to ionising and non-ionising radiations in recent years, writes James Gray, the University's Radiation Protection Adviser.

The Radiation Protection Service is available to provide assistance and advice in coping with these changes, please check our web site for guidance https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/radiationprotection/

Recent changes include:

  • Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016, which came into force on 1st January 2017
  • Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR 17), which came into force on 1st January 2018 and replaced IRR 99.
  • Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, which came into force on 1st September 2018 and replaced the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

To whom does this apply?

  • EMF 2016 – Applies to all staff using electrical equipment: most usage is trivial and requires little input. Heads of College/Institute/Service, please see our website for more details.
  • IRR 2017 – Applies to all staff using radioactive materials and X-ray producing electrical sources. The focus here is to update all risk assessments and local rules to comply with the new legislation.
  • EAR 2018 – Applies to all staff using radioactive materials (sealed and unsealed sources). Main changes are procedural and have been dealt with by the University Radiation Service. Focus for users is to update all record keeping (usage and disposal) to be consistent with the new legislation.

James Gray, University RPA

First published: 28 September 2018

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