The BIR will be responding toCD282 - the implementation of Directive 2013/59/EURATOMlaying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure arising to ionising radiation. We welcome feedback from BIR members to contribute to the BIR response.
HSE is consulting on changes to the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (IRR1999), the majority of which are brought in by the implementation of the EU Basic Safety Standards Directive (BSSD).
Briefly the main changes are:
Dose Limit for exposure to the lens of the eye and implementation of the Directive.
The Directive introduces a reduction of equivalent dose from 150 mSv to 20 mSv in a year. Currently exposure to ionising radiation is calculated and assessed on a calendar year basis, this would require individual dose limits to be re-calculated for the remainder of the year. HSE propose to transpose the BSSD early, on 1st January 2018, to avoid confusion and any additional cost burden to businesses.
Graded Approach - introduction of a new three tiered risk-based system of regulatory control.
The Directive refers to these levels as notification, registration, and licensing - the higher the radiation protection risk associated with the work, the greater the requirements. It requires HSE to have in place a positive system of authorisation whereby permission is granted to dutyholders for higher risk activities through registration and licensing.
The other new key requirements that stakeholders will have to consider are explained in the Consultative Document.
You can view the consultative document and see download the questions here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd282.htm
The consultation ends on 2 April 2017.
Please send your responses to lucy.stewart@bir.org.uk by Friday 17 March 2017 so that we can collate responses before the closing date.
