The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/703)

Comes into force: 22nd May 2019
Jurisdiction: England, Scotland, Wales
Amends: Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001

The aim of these Regulations is to strengthen Great Britain’s emergency preparedness and response arrangements for radiological emergencies.

Duties are imposed on operators of premises where ionising radiation occurs to identify hazards which have the potential to cause a radiation emergency.

They transfer the emergency preparedness and response elements of Directive 2013/59/Eurotom laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation for premises in which work with ionising radiation takes place.

Written hazard evaluations
Operators must carry out a written hazard evaluation before any work with ionising radiation is carried out for the first time.

Consequence reports
If an assessment in accordance with Schedule 3 is needed, the operator must also prepare a report setting out the consequences identified by that assessment.

Emergency planning zones
The local authority must supply a detailed emergency planning zone (the area around a facility for which the local authority must restrict public exposure in the event of a radiation emergency) on the basis of the operators recommendation.

Emergency plans
Where it is determined by the operator that a risk of a radiation emergency is possible, the operator must define an adequate emergency plan.

Reviewing and testing of emergency plans
Emergency plans must be reviewed at intervals not exceeding 3 years.

Implementation of emergency plans
Operators must consult with any other employer who carries out work with ionising radiation on the premises, and take into account relevant matters arising from that consultation

Emergency exposure of an employee
Duities are imposed where the emergency plan identifies the possibility of an employee receiving emergency exposure.

Reference levels
The operator or local authority which has prepared an emergency plan must ensure that the plan prioritises keeping effective doses below a 100 mSv

Information to the public
The local authority for an area covered by an off-site emergency plan with a detailed emergency planning zone must, in cooperation with the operator, ensure that members of the public are made aware of relevant information

Radiation protection advisor
All employers that do work with ionising radiation must consult one or more suitable radiation protection advisors.

Transitional arrangements
Those who had a duty under The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 may continue to comply with those Regulations until 21st May 2020.

Those who had a duty under the 2017 Regulations may also continue complying with those Regulations until 21st May 2020.

From 22nd May 2020, these Regulations must be complied with in full.

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