CLEAPSS Release Updated Radiation Guidance
In January 2024, CLEAPSS released an updated version of Managing Ionising Radiations and Radioactive Substances in Schools and Colleges (L093). Accompanying this, CLEAPSS also provided a guide (GL114) outlining the changes and necessary actions schools which hold radioactive sources of any kind. Additionally, online update sessions for RPS (Schools) will be conducted in the Spring of 2024.
There are three primary reasons for revising the guidance:
- Incorporating feedback from the HSE, RPS (Schools), RPOs, and our team of RPAs to enhance the clarity of the advice.
- Reviewing source-specific risk assessments and updating guidance accordingly. For instance, schools will be advised to dispose of old expansion cloud chambers and monitor the condition of other sealed radium sources due to evidence of degradation in older radium foils.
- Making adjustments following last year's HSE school inspection program, particularly regarding the interval for refresher training (now set at 5 years), contingency planning, and record keeping and terminology.
New Sections
To ensure schools maintain a record of their adherence to the advice in L093, CLEAPSS have introduced sections that must be completed by the RPS (Schools), clearly identified on the cover of the new edition.
CLEAPSS have engaged in constructive discussions with the Health and Safety Executive radiation team regarding their interpretation of regulatory requirements. The revised L093 reflects these discussions, with the HSE indicating that full adherence to the advice in the revised L093 will satisfy the requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017.
Furthermore, relevant information, such as radiation dose rates for various sources at different distances, previously found in the separate guide Technical Justification demonstrating how L093 risk assessments align with the suitable and sufficient requirements of Approved Code of Practice L121 (GL016), has been integrated into L93. This consolidation means users will only need to maintain an up-to-date copy of one document instead of two.