Ionising Radiation
Background
Ionising radiations (IR) occurs as either electromagnetic rays (such as X-rays and gamma rays) or particles (such as alpha and beta particles). IR occurs naturally (e.g. from the radioactive decay of natural radioactive substances, such as radon gas and its decay products) but can also be produced artificially.
There is a prescriptive set of environmental and safety regulations that Queen Mary policy, processes and procedures address. These include, but are not limited to:
- Appointment of key radiation protection roles, including consultant Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA), Radiation Waste Adviser (RWA) and Medical Physics Expert (MPE), to provide expert advice to the University and Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPSs) in specific areas, wherever ionising radiation is used.
- Ensuring radiation risk assessments and project approvals are made prior to commencing work, and that they are kept up to date.
- Produce local rules for each area involved in radiation work.
- Obtain appropriate statutory permits, consents and provide appropriate notifications to the applicable regulators (Environment Agency, Health & Safety Executive).
- Provide training to staff and others who work with ionising radiation on Queen Mary premises.
- Monitor potential exposures to employees and others who work with radiation on Queen Mary premises.
- Overall governance provided by the Queen Mary Radiation Protection Safety Committee (RPSC), supported by the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) for Queen Mary. The RPSC reports into the main Queen Mary Health & Safety Advisory Group (HSAG).
- Dispose of radioactive waste in line with permits issued to Queen Mary by the Environment Agency.
Queen Mary Documents
- Queen Mary Ionising Radiation Policy, Guidance and Arrangements [PDF 999KB]
- Ionising Radiation Work Activities Framework Template [DOC 313KB]
- Ionising Radiation Risk Assessment Template
- Uranyl Acetate - Waste Disposal Procedure [DOC 21KB]
- Unsealed sources – Consented Activity - Radiation Risk Assessment Template [DOC 965KB]
- RPS Appointment Form
- Tritium and Carbon-14 Wipe Test Procedure [DOC 33KB]
- Isostock Activation Guidance
- QMUL_HS_203 Radiation Labs_Inspection hardcopy folder content_Feb 2019 [DOC 38KB]
- Checklist RPS Supervision of local rules.
- Local Template Rules [DOC 141KB]
- RPS Training and Competency Log
- Source loss or theft log [DOC 72KB]
- Source Leak Test Work Instructions Procedure [PDF 188KB]
- Source Leak Test Report Template [DOC 46KB]
Primary legislation
- The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance
- The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, Guidance
- The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009
References
Contacts
For Advice and Assistance at Queen Mary, contact the H&S Manager / Advisor for your Faculty / PS or the subject lead at http://www.hsd.qmul.ac.uk/contact-us/
All H&S staff can be contacted via the help desk at hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk