The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019

Comes into force: From 1st November 2020, these Regulations must be complied with in full.
Jurisdiction: Northern Ireland

These Regulations transpose, in Northern Ireland, the emergency preparedness and response elements of Directive 2013/59/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation.

These Regulations apply to any work with ionising radiation which involves having on any premises, or providing for there to be on any premises, a radioactive substance, containing more than the quantity specified in Schedule 1 or in the case of fissile material specified in Schedule 2.

They do not apply where the operator can demonstrate that the quantity present on the premises would not allow, in a radiation emergency situation, an annual effective dose to persons off-site of greater than 1 millisievert.

Operators are required to undertake a written hazard evaluation before any work with ionising radiation is carried out for the first time. Assessments must then be made as to consider and evaluate a full range of possible consequences including:

• Emergency Planning Zones

• Emergency plans:

  • Including reviewing, testing and implementation of these plans

• Emergency exposure of an employee

• Reference levels:

  • including information to the public, radiation protection adviser, and transitional arrangements

Those who had a duty under the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017, may continue to comply with those Regulations until 31st October 2020.

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