Protecting workers and the public against Ionising Radiations
Ionising radiations occurs as either electromagnetic rays (such as X-rays and gamma rays) or particles (such as alpha and beta particles). It 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.
If you intend to start work with ionising radiation for the first time you need to 
let the HSE know [192kb] at least 28 days before you start work.
UK Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 - application in Guernsey
- The UK have updated the Ionising Radiation Regulations, with effect of 1st January 2018 (some provisions coming into force on 6th February 2018). There are no immediate plans to update Guernsey's Safety of Employees (Ionising Radiations) Ordinance, 1967, but some work is currently being undertaken on the wider health and safety framework in the Bailiwick.
- As a result, HSE will continue to use the same approach to enforcement and regulation of work activities: when verifying that dutyholders have discharged their duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health safety and welfare of their employees at work, HSE will benchmark the health and safety arrangements against relevant UK legislation, approved codes of practice, HSE and industry guidance.
- For work with ionising radiations, HSE will therefore treat the UK Approved Code of Practice on the IRR 2017 as the appropriate standard to be achieved for Guernsey and Alderney medical, dental and veterinary providers and other ionising radiation users. The Ionising Radiations notification form will be updated in February 2018 to reflect the enhanced controls required for higher risk activities.
What are ionising radiations / non-ionising radiations?
- The main difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation is in the amount of energy the radiation carries. Ionising radiation carries more energy than non-ionising radiation.
- Ionising radiation includes: X-rays, gamma rays, radiation from radioactive sources and sources of naturally occurring radiation, such as radon gas. Ionising radiation has many uses in industry, such as energy production, manufacturing, medicine and research and produces many benefits to society. However, it is important that the risks of ionising radiation are managed sensibly to protect workers and the public.
- Non-ionising radiation includes: visible light, ultra-violet light, infra-red radiation, and electromagnetic fields. Sources of electromagnetic fields are used extensively in telecommunications and manufacturing with little evidence of related long-term health problems. Ultra-violet light is part of natural sunlight and also forms part of some man-made light sources. It can cause a number of health problems, including skin cancer.
- Further information on ionising and non-ionising radiation can be obtained from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Radiation Protection Advisor
- If you are an employer working with ionising radiation (a 'radiation employer'), you will need to consult a suitable Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA). Any RPA consulted should conform to the definition of an RPA as described in HSE's criteria of competence and should be suitable in terms of possessing the requisite knowledge and experience relevant to the employer's type of work.
- A Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) is an individual or body which provides advice to employers on compliance with the ACOP / UK equivalent.
Dose limits
- Dose limits are intended to reduce the risk of serious effects occurring, such as cancer, and are in place to protect the eyes, skin and extremities against other forms of damage.
- The limits on effective dose (dose to the whole body) acceptable in Guernsey are:
- for employees aged 18 years or over, 20 millisieverts in a calendar year (except that in special cases employers may apply a dose limit of 100 millisieverts in 5 years with no more than 50 millisieverts in a single year, subject to strict conditions);
- for trainees, 6 millisieverts in a calendar year; and
- for any other person, including members of the public and employees under 18 who cannot be classed as trainees, 1 millisievert in a calendar year.
- The prior risk assessment you carry out for work with ionising radiation should consider the potential radiation exposures an individual may receive during the course of their work (including accidental exposures). This will help enable you to make an estimate of likely radiation doses and whether staff should be subject to personal dose monitoring. The risk outcome of this assessment will also determine whether certain employees should be designated as classified persons.
- If you become pregnant: It is in the interests of both yourself and your baby to inform your employer as soon as you know you are pregnant. Your employer needs to know this so they can make any necessary changes to protection measures and apply the additional dose limits. You are not legally required to inform your employer and can choose to keep this private. However, if your employer is unaware that you are pregnant they may not be able to take any further action.
Temporary importation of Ionising Radiation Sources or X-ray Equipment
- Anyone intending to import an ionising radiation source or x-ray equipment for use in Guernsey (even on a temporary basis) must notify the Health & Safety Executive in writing at least 28 days prior to doing so.
- Guernsey Border Agency / Customs may not allow the equipment to be landed in Guernsey unless it has been notified to the HSE.
