Legislation Update: Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 came into force on 1 January 2018. These updated Regulations are supported by a new Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (ACoP). The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) set out an employer’s minimum legal duties, while the ACoP text and guidance give practical advice on how to comply with those Regulations.

The main changes since the last ACoP are:

• The dose limit for exposure to the lens of the eye has been reduced from 150 mSv to 20 mSv in a year.
• There is a new system of authorisation for work with ionising radiation – the higher the radiation protection risk, the greater the requirements. A three-tier system of regulatory control, notification, registration and consent has replaced the previous requirement for notification and prior authorisation. To notify, register or get consent from HSE, follow this link
• The requirement for notification has been changed to a lower level of activity than in IRR99.
• The definition of an outside worker has been broadened so that it includes both classified and non-classified workers.
• There is now a requirement to put procedures in place to estimate doses to members of the public.
• Guidance has been clarified regarding the duties of employees to co-operate with employers in meeting the requirements of these Regulations.
• Medical appeals by an employee are made to HSE within 28 days of the employee being notified of the appointed doctor’s decision. This has been introduced for consistency with other regulations.

Link to the HSE ACoP for IRR17