Radiation Compliance
Are you ready for a Handsam radiation inspection?
The use of radioactive substances in schools is governed primarily by the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, which detail how employers must ensure the safety of all employees who work with ionising radiation. Other regulations, covering transport and environmental considerations, impact on schools only rarely but it is important that employers and those responsible for the substances on site have an awareness of what to do when they do so.
You may not have kept up with making sure your facility is compliant with radiation regulations during lockdown, or you may have a Handsam inspection visit on the horizon. Here's a reminder of what you'll be expected to have in place...
Onsite trained Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)
If your current RPS (Radiation Protection Supervisor) has left, you will need to appoint a new one urgently and they need to send Handsam their valid certificate of competence. The RPS should be a member of the Science teaching staff, preferably the Head of Department. CLEAPPS state that they should understand "the basic principle of radiological protection and the relevant legal requirements". CLEAPPS also recommend that the RPS should not be a technician.
The individual appointed must be competent and receive any training required to gain a full understanding of the expectations of the role. The RPS will be responsible for the day to day security, storage, use and monitoring of radioactive substances in school. In addition to ensuring training levels, risk assessments and emergency procedures are in place.
Without an RPS, no sources can be used and facilities should take steps to dispose of the sources if no one is to be trained.
Following a visit, virtual or onsite, facilities need to return any requested evidence to Jonathan Lowe (Handsam RPO Radiation Protection Officer).
Failure to comply
Any of our clients who take advantage of our cost-effective radiation advice service provided by CLEAPSS through Handsam, must ensure that they respond promptly to requests for documentation. If the required documentation is not returned within 30 days of receipt of the letter asking for RPA Forms 1/2, your radiation protection advice cover through the CLEAPSS service will be terminated and as a consequence, you will need to make alternative arrangements to meet your legal duties under Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99).
Handsam radiation resources
CLEAPSS
Handsam works with CLEAPSS to provide radiation and radon services.
CLEAPSS is an advisory service providing support in science and technology for a consortium of local authorities and their schools including establishments for pupils with special needs.
Independent schools, post-16 colleges, teacher training establishments, curriculum developers and others can apply for associate membership. CLEAPSS offers help from nursery education through to A-level studies or equivalent.
The CLEAPSS/Handsam radiation protection advice service can only be provided if:
- The school is a member of CLEAPSS;
- The school formally appoints the RPA nominated by CLEAPSS by returning a signed letter of appointment copied onto school headed paper to Handsam; and
- The school provides accurate information about the number and type of sources of radioactivity held by the school science department by returning a completed copy of Form 1.
RPA Form 1
This is a fact-gathering form about the sources that are currently held at your facility. It must be kept up-to-date and be a comprehensive list of all the sources of radiation on your site.
RPA Form 2
Schools with radiation sources should have an up-to-date RPA2 form. This is a letter of authorisation instructing Handsam and Jon Fear (RPA Radiation Protection Advisor) to act for them. This needs to be signed by the Head, so if there has been a new appointment since the last visit, you will need a new RPA2.