IRR2017 Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is a critical examination?
Performed by the installer (post-installation), with involvement from an RPA, to check that:
- all safety features and warning devices operate correctly
- there is sufficient protection from radiation (to staff and public)
What is the annual dose limit for a classified radiation worker?
WB 20 mSv/yr
Extremeties/Skin 500 mSv/cm2/yr
Eye lens 20 mSv/yr
Where does IRR17 stem from?
The European Basic Safety Standards (BSS) Directive 2013/59/Eurotom
What is IRR17?
Outlines the responsibilities different people have, to reduce the risk of radiation in the workplace
What are the main points of IRR17
- Notify/Register/Consent from the HSE before starting
- Risk assess and have contingency plans
- Get advice from an RPA and assign an RPS
- Designate areas
- Classify and monitor staff
- Control equipment and sources
- Set rules
Who enforces IRR17?
The HSE
What is the graded approach?
A risk-based level of control and communication with the HSE
- Notification
- Registration
- Consent
What is the Notification level?
Any work with radiation which does not need Registration
What is the Registration level?
Use of x-ray devices which do not require consent
Certain weights and concentrations of radioactive materials
£26 online process
What is the Consent level?
Applies to administration of radioactive substances
Deliberate addition of radioactive substances
Operation of an accelerator
Long-term storage of disposal of radioactive waste
Discharge of significant amounts of radioactive effluent
~£000s per practice
What should be done prior to use of a radiation facility
Everything should be in place to minimise the risk and ensure that exposures are ALARP
- Radiation Employer should notify the HSE
- Risk assessments
- Restrict exposure
- Consult an RPA
What is the purpose of a risk assessment?
To evaluate risks and act to prevent accidents, limit consequences of accidents, inform, instruct and train employees
What is the role of an RPA?
Advises on risk assessments, review examinations of plans and installations, designation of areas, contingency plans, recording and assessing doses, selection and testing of monitoring equipment
When should an area be Supervised?
Any person in the area is likely to receive >1 mSv, or greater than 1/10th of employee dose limits for extremities or >5 mSv for eyes
The area should be under review as to whether it should become Controlled
When should an area be Controlled?
Any person working in the area is likely to receive >6 mSv a year or greater than 3/10th of employee dose limits
Averaged dose rate per day is >7.5 microSv/h
What is a Controlled area?
Area where anyone who enters or works in the area has to follow special procedures designed to restrict exposure
What are local rules?
Written rules for Controlled areas to restrict exposure
What should be included in the local rules?
Dose investigation levels
Key working instructions
Contingency plans
Contact for the RPS and RPA
Description of the area it covers
What is an RPS?
Appointed by the radiation Employer
They should know about radiation protection principles, IRR17 and local rules
Ensure day-to-day compliance with the local rules
What are dose limits?
Set in law and any suspicion that these have been exceeded must be reported to the HSE and investigated
What are investigation levels?
15 mSv for Employees which is set in law and must be reported to the HSE, but often set lower by the Employer for ALARP
What are dose constraints?
Set lower than the limits and useful when planning, designating areas, local rules and classifying workers
What are the levels at which a worker should be classified?
WB 6 mSv/yr
Extremities/Skin 150 mSv/cm2/yr
Eye lens 15 mSv/yr
What is the dose limit for a pregnancy?
<1 mSv to the foetus over the remaining term
