Ministry of Defence
JSP 392 Radiation Safety HandbookJanuary 2008
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PRELIMINARY PAGES Contents Para 1 2 4 4 5 6 Authority
Maintenance Record of Changes Channels for Comment File Reference
Disclaimer Forward Glossary Volume 1 Chapter Contents Volume 2
Leaflet Contents Comments Form Page
v vii xix xxi xxiii
AUTHORITY 1 JSP 392 is sponsored by the Director of Safety and
Claims as Chairman of the Occupational Health and Safety Board
(OHSB) and produced and maintained by the Directorate of Safety and
Claims (DS&C). It is issued under the authority of the Chairman
OHSB. MAINTENANCE 2 This Joint Service Publication (JSP) will be
maintained on the Defence Intranet and Internet, and will be
revised on an annual basis. Where amendment is necessary, these
amendments will be announced by DCI GEN and any changes or
additions also published on the Defence Intranet and Internet. All
paper copies of JSP 392 material are uncontrolled. 3 Amendments
will be developed on behalf of the Directorate of Safety and Claims
(DS&C) and staffed through the JSP 392 Review Committee and
Functional Safety Boards (FSBs). Major amendments and new
inclusions will be submitted for endorsement at the appropriate
level. These will be announced by Defence Instructions and Notices
under Channel 7 Safety, Health, Environment and Fire. RECORD OF
CHANGES
Amendment No 1
Amendment Record DS&C
Affected Pages See table below
Date January 2008
January 2008
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Amendment No 1
Date Jan 2008
Text Affected Glossary Chapter 1 (paragraph 3) Chapter 2 (3)
Chapter 3 (18) Chapter 4 (11, 26) Chapter 5 (3.2,15) Chapter 7 (1)
Chapter 8 (8) Chapter 9 (5, 6) Chapter 11 (Annex A) Leaflet 3
(paragraph 14, 40, 43, 46) Leaflet 4 (14-15, 49, Annex B, Annex C)
Leaflet 6 (Annex A (24, 40.12)) Leaflet 9 (36, 37, Annex C) Leaflet
10 (14.4) Leaflet 11 (34) Leaflet 13 (2, 3, 5, 6, 22) Leaflet 14
(26, Annex A, Annex B) Leaflet 17 (9) Leaflet 21 (Table 2, Annex B)
Leaflet 25 (Annex A (12)) Leaflet 28 (Table 3) Leaflet 30 (All)
Leaflet 31 (17) Leaflet 32 (3, 9, 10, 11, 20) Leaflet 39 (13, Annex
E) Leaflet 40 (Annex B, Annex C)
NOTE: Minor changes such as typographical errors are not listed.
CHANNELS FOR COMMENT 4 Enquiries or proposed changes should be
addressed to DS&C at the address below using the comments form
or, if considered appropriate, through the Deputy Chief Environment
and Safety Officer (Ministry of Defence). [email protected] DSC-OHS5
Directorate of Safety and Claims Occupational Health & Safety
and Radiation Protection Team Floor 6, Zone D MOD Main Building
Whitehall London, SW1A 2HB FILE REFERENCE 5 File reference
DSC-06-10-01 relates to this JSP.
DISCLAIMER 6 Nothing contained within this JSP removes the
responsibility of any duty holder to comply with the law and MOD
requirements.
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FOREWORD
The purpose of this publication is to enable Ministry of Defence
(MOD) units (including Defence Agencies) to comply with legislation
relating to radiation protection including environmental protection
associated with sources of ionising and non-ionising radiation and
the Secretary of States Policy Statement on Safety, Health and
Environmental Protection. In overseas commands this publication
applies to all personnel, service and civilian. This JSP is divided
into two major parts comprising: Volume 1, Radiation Policy,
contains both ionising and non-ionising radiation and radioactive
substances policy that applies across the MOD. Volume 2, Radiation
Instructions and Advice, provides instructions and advice on
individual aspects of radiation protection for specific uses.
Issues associated with the interpretation or application of the
policy in Volume 1 should be brought to the attention of the
Directorate of Safety and Claims (DS&C). The contact details
are: DSC-OHS5 Directorate of Safety and Claims Occupational Health
& Safety and Radiation Protection Team Floor 6, Zone D MOD Main
Building Whitehall London, SW1A 2HB email: [email protected] Tel: +44
(0)20 7218 3720 or Military 9621 83720 Requests for advice on the
interpretation of the information contained within Volume 2 of this
handbook or amendments to Volume 2 of this publication should be
addressed to: Head of Dstl Environmental Sciences Department c/o
Institute of Naval Medicine Crescent Road Alverstoke Gosport Hants
PO12 2DL Tel: +44 (0)2392 768130 or Military 9380 68130
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GLOSSARY Acceptance Test An examination of newly installed
medical and dental X-ray equipment to check the specifications and
fitness of the equipment for the optimisation of radiation doses to
patients. Tuition leading to competence in radiation protection and
appropriate instruction, including practical experience, in
diagnostic or therapeutic techniques involving ionising radiation
as specified in Schedule 2 of the Ionising Radiation (Medical
Exposure) Regulations (IRMER) 2000. The largest value of annual
intake of a radionuclide by a specific route into the body that
will not exceed the annual dose limits either to the whole body or
individual organs as given in Schedule 4 of IRR99 for a classified
person. A registered medical practitioner who is appointed by the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under Ionising Radiations
Regulations 1999 (IRR99) to carry out the duties described in
IRR99. Document issued by the appropriate Regulatory Authority
authorising an establishment to accumulate, discharge or dispose of
quantities of radioactive material as specified in the approval
document. A dosimetry service approved, by certificate in writing,
by the HSE
Adequate training (Medical and Dental)
Annual limit of intake (ALI)
Appointed Doctor
Approval Document
Approved Dosimetry Service (ADS) Approved Dosimetry Record
Keeping System (ADRKS) Becquerel (Bq) Calendar quarter
The system used by an Approved Dosimetry Service (ADS) for
maintaining dosimetry records. The unit of activity, defined as one
disintegration per second. Any consecutive 3-month period
commencing 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, 1 October. A 12-month period
commencing 1 January. Any person or organization undertaking the
conveyance of radioactive materials by any means of transport.
Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear. This is a
Centralised Index system containing details of dose information for
each classified person and identifying them to their Approved
Dosimetry Laboratory. It is operated by the Health Protection
Agency (HPA) for the HSE. A person designated in accordance with
Regulation 20 of IRR99 or in the case of an outside worker employed
by an undertaking in Northern Ireland of in another member state, a
person who has been designated as a Category A exposed person
within the meaning of article 21 of the European Council Directive
96/29/Euratom.
Calendar year Carrier
CBRN Central Index of Dose Information (CIDI)
Classified person
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Closed source
Comforter and carer
A radioactive source from which the dispersal of the radioactive
material is minimised by sealing, bonding or other means. This term
includes bonded sources, homogeneous sources, laminated sources and
sealed sources. An individual who, other than as part of their
occupation, knowingly and willingly incurs an exposure to ionising
radiation resulting from the support and comfort of another person
who is undergoing a medical exposure from an internal or external
source. The most senior officer of a ship, unit or establishment.
Commanding Officer includes the Commandant, Officer Commanding,
Captain, Master, Director, Head of Establishment and Medical
Officer-in-Charge. The effective or equivalent dose that will be
accrued by the body or a tissue over a 50-year period following the
intake of radioactive material. The recipient of transported
radioactive material. Any person who sends radioactive materials in
any form from a ship, unit or establishment. A document certifying
that the contents of a consignment of radioactive materials are
properly described by name, are properly packaged, marked and
labelled and are in a proper condition for transport according to
the applicable transport regulations. The unintended presence of
radioactive material on surfaces, areas, personnel (including any
surface of the body or clothing) or objects or in gases or liquids.
A plan designed to protect persons who may be affected by ionising
radiation arising from any foreseeable accident or incident to
which the plan relates. An area designated in accordance with
Regulation 16 of the IRR99, or in the case of Northern Ireland or
in another member state an area subject to special rules for the
purposes of protection against ionising radiation and to which
access is controlled. An examination of new or structurally
modified medical X-ray rooms and dental surgeries to ensure that
the installation and any associated safety features and warning
devices satisfy the original design criteria and statutory
requirements relevant to the restriction of exposure. This is the
non-SI unit of activity. One Curie is equal to 3.7 x 1010
becquerels (Bq). This term is officially obsolete, but may still be
used in older publications or on some equipment. For any
radionuclide, the DAC is that concentration in air which if
breathed by a person (reference man) for a working year of 2000
hours (40 hours per week for 50 weeks per year) would result in the
person receiving the Annual Limit of Intake by inhalation.
Commanding Officer
Committed dose
Consignee Consignor
Consignor's Certificate
Contamination
Contingency plan
Controlled area
Critical examination
Curie
Derived air concentration (DAC)
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Derived limit
A limit derived from a dose limit or a secondary limit that is
intended to prevent the dose limit being exceeded. Such limits
include doserates in a work place, airborne contamination limits
and surface contamination limits. Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator.
A restriction on the prospective dose to individuals, which may
result from a defined radiation source. Dose constraints are to be
used in the planning stage of radiation protection. Limits of
radiation dose to the whole body or individual tissues or organs or
extremities of the body in a specified period. These limits are
given Schedule 4 of IRR99. The rate at which a person or part of a
person would receive a given dose of ionising radiation. A device
used for measuring absorbed radiation doses. The measurement of
radiation doses. It applies to both the devices used and to the
technique. Defence Science and Technology Laboratorys Environmental
Sciences Department. An exposure of an employee engaged in an
activity associated with the response to a radiation emergency, or
potential radiation emergency in order to bring help to endangered
persons, prevent exposure of a large number of persons or save a
valuable installation of goods, whereby one of the dose limits for
a classified person could be exceeded. An employer is whoever
employs an employee In the IRMER 2000, an employer is any natural
or legal person who has the legal responsibility for a given
installation, usually the Chief Executive of the National Health
Service (NHS) Trust governing a Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit
(MDHU) or single-Service Medical Director General (MDG) for other
medical establishments. Includes all Naval, Army, Air Force, and
MOD civilian (including Defence Agency) establishments and
attachments. An order exempting radioactive substances from all or
part of the Radioactive Substances Act. The Order may specify other
requirements for those radioactive substances. Ionising radiation
originating from outside the body of the person. The appropriate
single-Service authority responsible for the oversight of advice
and dissemination of radiation protection information. The focal
point authority is to be notified of any new sources of ionising
and non-ionising radiation. A check carried out using a radioactive
source to demonstrate the consistency of response of an instrument
before and/or during use.
DNSR Dose constraint
Dose limits
Dose rate
Dosemeter Dosimetry
Dstl ESD
Emergency Exposure
Employer Employer (For Medical/Dental Purposes.) (See Radiation
Employer)
Establishments
Exemption Order
External radiation Focal point authority
Functional check
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Gaseous tritium light device (GTLD) Gaseous tritium light source
(GTLS) Gray (Gy)
An instrument, piece of equipment, article or sub-assembly
containing one or more GTLSs. A sealed glass container filled with
gaseous tritium and coated internally with a phosphor. The SI unit
of absorbed dose; defined as an energy deposition of 1 J.kg-1 of
irradiated material. The senior officer at an establishment. The
record of medical surveillance of a classified person kept by the
ship or establishment maintained by the employer in accordance with
regulation 24(3) of the IRR99 A sealed source (as defined by
Directive 96/29/Euratom) containing a radionuclide whose activity
at the time of manufacture is equal to or exceeds the activity
levels specified in Annex I of EC Directive 2003/122/Euratom i.e.
that the activity equals or exceeds 0.01 of the corresponding A1
value given in the IAEA Regulations for the safe transport of
radioactive material. The following types of source/radioactive
material do not fall within the scope of HASS: a) Any component of
a nuclear weapon; b) Any nuclear fuel element; c) Any radioactive
substance inside a nuclear reactor; and d) Containers of
radioactive material where the radioactive material would not
constitute a sealed source in the absence of the container, and the
container is for the purpose of storage or transport rather than to
ensure the integrity of the source as in ISO 2919:1999. e)
Radioactive waste, f) GTLSs and GTLDs A record of radiation
protection instrument maintenance, repair and calibration. Ionising
radiation coming from inside the body of a person. This is the
transfer of energy in the form of particles or electromagnetic
waves of the wavelength of 100 nanometres or less or a frequency of
3 x 1015 hertz or more capable or producing ions directly or
indirectly. This includes Gamma () rays, X-rays (either from
radionuclides, X-ray equipment or produced as a by-product of some
other apparatus), alpha () particles, beta () particles and
neutrons. The lead equivalent of a shielding material is the
thickness of lead affording that same protection as the material in
question under the same conditions of irradiation. Ionising
radiation that has passed through the protective housing of an
X-ray tube, but not through the radiation aperture. Orders adequate
to enable the work with ionising radiations at a particular ship,
unit or establishment or to be carried out in accordance with
statutory and MOD requirements. Rules made in accordance with
regulation 17 of IRR99
Head of establishment Health record
High Activity Sealed Source (HASS)
Instrument log
Internal radiation Ionising radiation
Lead equivalent
Leakage radiation
Local orders
Local rules
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Low Specific Activity (LSA)
Low Specific Activity material is defined as radioactive
material, which by its nature has a limited specific activity, or a
radioactive material for which limits of estimated average specific
activity apply. Advice may be sought from the RPA. The exposure of
a person to ionising radiation for the purpose of a medical or
dental examination or clinical research under the direction of a
suitably qualified person. The transfer of radioactive materials
within a ship, unit or establishment. This is any electromagnetic
radiation that is not ionising radiation. This includes laser
radiation, electromagnetic fields and ultra-violet radiation.
Values given in Schedule 8 of the IRR99. A notification issued by
the appropriate Regulatory Authority specifying the maximum
holdings of radioactive material that may be used or stored at an
establishment. Nuclear programmes are those to deliver and support
the nuclear weapons and nuclear propulsion programmes The radiation
exposure received as a result of work undertaken with ionising
radiations. Any person who carries out any practical aspect
associated with the procedure of a medical or dental exposure
including those to whom practical aspects have been delegated,
medical physics experts and, except where they do so under the
supervision of a person who is adequately trained, persons
participating in practical aspects as part of practical training
(IRMER 2000) i.e. usually a radiographer or a medical physicist,
but may be a medical or dental officer or other adequately trained
medical or dental assistant or nurse. In the use of ionising
radiation associated with veterinary examinations it is the person
controlling the veterinary examination. Radiation (Emergency
Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (REPPIR) 2001,
defines an operator as the person in control of the operation of
premises.
Medical exposure
Movement
Non-ionising radiation
Notifiable quantities Notification (EA)
Nuclear programmes
Occupational Exposure
Operator
Outside worker
A classified person who carries out services in the controlled
area of any employer, other than the controlled area of his own
employer. The exposure of any person to ionising radiations to an
extent that a dose limit is exceeded. An overpack is an enclosure,
such as a bag or box, used by a single consignor to consolidate
into one unit a consignment of two or more packages for the
convenience of handling stowage and carriage. A document giving
formal approval for and stating conditions under which persons
specified in the document may work in a controlled area. An
Individuals record of their exposure.
Overexposure
Overpack
Permit-to-work
Personal dose records
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Personal dosimetry number (PD)
A unique identifying number allocated by the Dstl Environmental
Sciences Department (Dstl ESD) Approved Dosimetry Record Keeping
Service to each person entered on the Approved Dosimetry Record
Keeping System (ADRKS). The term that includes both protective
clothing and breathing apparatus. A registered medical or dental
practitioner, or other health professional who is entitled to take
responsibility for an individual medical exposure (IRMER 2000) i.e.
usually a radiologist, but may be the senior medical or dental
officer. Before the commencement of a new activity involving work
with ionising radiation a suitable and sufficient assessment of the
risk to the employee or other person should be made. This
assessment should identify the measures required to restrict the
exposure of the employee or other person. Where the risk exists
from a reasonably foreseeable accident, the employer, should
prevent, or with the use of a contingency plan, limit the
consequences of such an accident, and provide employees with
appropriate information, instruction and training to restrict any
exposure. Clothing provided to prevent the contamination of the
person or the person's clothing or the lead rubber apparel worn
when required during X-ray diagnostic procedures. A location not
controlled by the employer (Commanding Offier) i.e. on the outside
of the site boundary, or on a public right of way through the site.
A person appointed by the employer having the necessary expertise,
training and experience in instrumentation theory and practice to
undertake or to supervise the examination and testing of radiation
monitoring instruments to meet the requirements of the IRR99. An
accident where immediate action is required to prevent or reduce
the exposure to ionising radiation of employees or any other
persons and includes a radiation emergency. A card issued to
persons working away from their parent establishment containing
relevant personal details and a summary of their radiation dose.
Any event which is likely to result in any member of the public
being exposed to ionising radiation arising from that event in
excess of 5mSv effective dose in the one year period immediately
following the radiation emergency. Any dose averted by any health
protection measure taken during the 24 hours immediately following
the event shall be disregarded. An employer who in the course of a
trade, business or other undertaking carries out work with ionising
radiation. Any apparatus that accelerates charged particles using a
potential greater than 5 kV. Cathode-ray tubes and visual display
units that do not produce a dose-rate of more than 5 Sv h-1 at a
distance of more than 50 mm from any accessible surface are
excluded.
Personal protective equipment
Practitioner
Prior risk assessment
Protective clothing
Public places
Qualified person
Radiation accident
Radiation dose summary card
Radiation emergency
Radiation employer
Radiation generator
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Radiation passbook
Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)
Document issued by an ADS to record the estimated dose
information for an outside worker working in a controlled area of
another employer. A person or corporate body appointed by the
employer to advise him on the observance of the IRR99 and on other
health and safety matters in connection with ionising radiations.
The individual or body must meet such criteria of competence as may
from time to time be specified in writing by the HSE. A person
appointed in writing by the Commanding Officer in respect of a
particular process or processes to ensure that work is carried out
in compliance with IRR99. An assessment prior to the introduction
of new equipment, Installations or working practices, to identify
the nature and magnitude of the radiation hazard likely to arise
during normal operating conditions and in the event of any
foreseeable accident or incident. An officer appointed by the
Commanding Officer for the purpose of administering his
responsibilities under these instructions. Orders produced by the
ship, unit or establishment containing the information for the
management of radiological protection. A measure of the risk of
late effects, principally cancer, caused by the type of radiation
under consideration relative to X or gamma irradiation of a
specified energy. Includes closed sources, articles containing
radioactive substances, unsealed radioactive substances and
non-radioactive articles contaminated with radioactive
substances.
Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)
Radiation Safety Assessment
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
Radiation Safety Standing Orders (RSSOs) Radiation weighting
factor
Radioactive material
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Radioactive Substance
There are three definitions for a substance that must be
regarded as Radioactive for the purposes of radiation protection,
dependent upon which regulations are applicable: a. IRR99: Any
substance which contains one or more radionuclides whose activity
cannot be disregarded for the purposes of radiation protection. b.
The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93): i) a beta and/or gamma
emitting solid radioactive material, whose activity exceeds 0.4 Bq
g-1. ii) a substance that has become radioactive through
bombardment by neutrons or ionising radiations. For other materials
seek the advice of the Radiation Protection Adviser. c. The
Transport Regulations. Radioactive material shall mean any
radioactive material containing radionuclides where both the
activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment
exceed the values in columns 4 and 5 of Table 1 of the IAEA Safety
Standards Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive
Material, 1996 Edition, Revised. (TS-R-1) (Units and establishments
should seek advice from their Radiation Protection Adviser or their
Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.)
Radioactive waste
This is defined in RSA93 as waste which consists wholly or
partly of: a. a substance or article which, if it were not waste
would be radioactive material, or b. a substance or article which
has been contaminated in the course of the production, keeping or
use of radioactive material, or by contact with or proximity to
other waste falling within paragraph a. Radioactive material will
be considered to be waste when designated by a ship, unit or
establishment
Radionuclide
A radioactive species of atom characterised by its mass number,
atomic number and nuclear energy state. A registered dental or
medical practitioner, or other health professional who is entitled
to refer individuals for medical exposure to a practitioner
(Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000) i.e.
usually a General Practitioner (GP) or General Dental Practioner
(GDP), hospital doctor or dental surgeon or nurse practitioner.
Referrer
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Regulatory Authority
Authority responsible for the issue of Notifications for keeping
and using radioactive materials and the issue of Approval documents
for disposal of radioactive material. The Regulatory Authorities
are as follows: a. Environment Agency (EA) in England and Wales. b.
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland. c.
Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in Northern Ireland.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Risk Assessment
Equipment designed for protection of the individual against the
hazards of airborne contamination. Carried out to identify risks to
health and safety to any person arising out of, or in connection
with, work or the conduct of their undertaking. It should identify
how the risks arise and how they impact those affected. This
information is then used to aid decisions on how to manage those
risks. A source containing any radioactive substance whose
structure is such to prevent, under normal conditions of use, any
dispersion of radioactive substances into the environment. Note.
For the purposes of IRR 99 only, this definition is qualified to
specifically exclude any radioactive substance inside a nuclear
reactor or any nuclear fuel element. The SI unit of equivalent
dose; defined as the product of the absorbed dose (in Gy) and the
radiation weighting factor. It provides an indication of risk to
health, principally of cancer, in humans. Any industrial
radiography undertaken outside an enclosure. Radioactive material
that is in the form of an indispersible solid or in a sealed
capsule so constructed that it can only be opened by destroying the
capsule. An area designated by the employer in accordance with
regulation 16 of IRR99. Procedures designed to restrict the
radiation dose to workers and other persons to as low as reasonably
practicable. A record of the personal radiation dose of a
previously classified person which is produced by the ADS when they
cease to work for the Ministry of Defence or its Agencies. A device
containing thermoluminescent material used to measure dose from
ionising radiations. Persons aged 16 years and over (including
students) who are undergoing training or instruction which involves
operations which would, in the case of an employee, be work with
ionising radiation. The transfer of radioactive materials from a
ship, unit or establishment
Sealed source
Sievert (Sv)
Site radiography Special form
Supervised area
Systems of work Termination record
Thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) Trainees
Transport
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TREMCARD
Transport Emergency Card (TREMCARD) containing instructions for
drivers carrying radioactive material abroad between European
countries, the instructions for drivers are required in the
language of the driver of the vehicle and the languages of the
countries of transit and destination. Transport Emergency Cards
(TREMCARD) detailing the required instructions are available in
different languages. TREMCARDS can also be used for movements
within the UK. A package that is permitted to contain up to the
relevant A1 or A2 activity limit for any given isotope. Type A
packages are designed to prevent the loss or dispersal of the
radioactive package contents and prevent any increase in the
maximum radiation level recorded at the external surface of the
package during normal conditions of transport. A radiation worker
who is unlikely to exceed three-tenths of the annual dose limits
for classified persons Any radioactive substance that is not a
closed source. It includes non-radioactive objects contaminated
with radioactive substances. Depleted uranium: Uranium containing
less than 0.72% U-235 by weight. Natural uranium: Uranium
containing the naturally occurring distribution of uranium isotopes
(approximately 99.28% uranium-238 and 0.72% uranium-235 by weight).
The X-rays that come from the target and emerge through the
aperture of an X-ray tube. Persons who enter radiation areas other
than for purposes of undertaking work. Units used to indicate the
level of exposure to radon daughters in air. One working level
(1WL) = 2.08 x 10-5 J m-3. An exposure of one working level month
(WLM) would be received by working in a radon daughter
concentration of one working level for 170 hours (i.e. a typical
working month). Any task entailing the production, processing,
handling, use, holding, storage, moving, transport or disposal of
any radioactive substance, or entailing the operation or use of any
radiation emitting machine or apparatus, including instruction or
training in which a person is engaged in as a trainee. This also
includes work carried out in an atmosphere containing radon 222 gas
at a concentration in air, averaged over any 24 hour period,
exceeding 400 Bqm-3 , except where the concentration of short-lived
daughter products does not exceed 6.24 x 10-7 Jm-3. A measure of
the amount of use of X-ray equipment in a specific period,
expressed in units of milli-amp minutes (mA min).
Type A package
Unclassified radiation worker
Unsealed radioactive substance Uranium
Useful beam
Visitors
Working Level (WL)
Working Level Month (WLM)
Work with ionising radiations
Workload
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Workplace Supervisor (WPS)
Workplace supervisors are appointed where it is unnecessary to
appoint an RPS, to undertake duties to ensure that work with
sources of ionising radiation is carried out in accordance with
legislation, the requirements of this publication and local orders
for radiation safety. WPSs may be appointed to supervise
radioactive materials, X-ray equipments or radon that do not
require the setting up of designated areas, or a combination of
these activities.
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VOLUME 1 CHAPTER CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11
Scope, application and availability Radiological protection and
MOD policy Ionising radiation protection policy Radioactive
substances control policy Radioactive waste Non-ionising radiation
protection policy Radiation protection committees Radiation
protection appointments Training and qualifications in radiological
protection Radiation dose control Record keeping
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VOLUME 2 LEAFLET CONTENTS
Leaflet 1 Leaflet 2 Leaflet 3
Acquisition of sources of ionising radiation by IPTs Risk
assessments Notification, approval and assessment of the
introduction and use of sources of ionising radiation including
radioactive substances Restriction of exposure to radiation Written
arrangements for unclassified persons entering controlled areas
Dosimetry and personal dose records including medical surveillance
of classified persons Radiation protection adviser consultation and
advisory visits Radiation detection and monitoring equipment
Storage, accounting and leak testing of radioactive material
Movement and transport of radioactive materials Requirements for
the transfer (including the return to stores) sale, loan and
gifting of radioactive materials and radioactively contaminated
items Accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste Assessment and
management of radioactively contaminated land Investigation,
notification and reporting of unusual radiation events Training
requirements and courses Local orders for radiation safety
Radioactive electronic valves Smoke detectors containing Americium
241 Gaseous tritium light sources (GTLSs) and gaseous tritium light
devices (GTLDs) Instruments containing Ni-63 Instrument check
sources Luminised equipment High voltage electrical equipment
Postal and baggage fluoroscopes Dental x-ray machines Medical
diagnostic X-ray machines
Leaflet 4 Leaflet 5 Leaflet 6 Leaflet 7 Leaflet 8 Leaflet 9
Leaflet 10 Leaflet 11
Leaflet 12 Leaflet 13 Leaflet 14 Leaflet 15 Leaflet 16 Leaflet
17 Leaflet 18 Leaflet 19 Leaflet 20 Leaflet 21 Leaflet 22 Leaflet
23 Leaflet 24 Leaflet 25 Leaflet 26
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Leaflet 27 Leaflet 28 Leaflet 29 Leaflet 30 Leaflet 31 Leaflet
32 Leaflet 33 Leaflet 34 Leaflet 35 Leaflet 36 Leaflet 37 Leaflet
38 Leaflet 39 Leaflet 40
Veterinary diagnostic X-ray machines Industrial radiography
including enclosures, site and underwater radiography Items and
components containing thorium Depleted uranium Museums Protection
against radon Exposure to cosmic radiation Laser safety
Radiofrequency radiations Microwave ovens Ultraviolet radiation
Classified persons and outside workers Radiation safety duties of
MOD employees Contingency plans
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COMMENTS FORM DSC-OHS5 Directorate of Safety and Claims
Occupational Health & Safety and Radiation Protection Team
Floor 6, Zone D MOD Main Building MOD Main Building Whitehall
London SW1A 2HB Email: [email protected] File: D/DSC-06-10-01 Senders
Reference: To: From:
UIN:
Date:
Chapter/Annex
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Comment:
Name: email Address: Signed:
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Thank you for commenting on JSP 392
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CHAPTER 1 SCOPE, APPLICATION AND AVAILABILITY Contents Para 1 4
9 Scope Structure and Application Availability
SCOPE 1 This publication sets down the policy, instructions and
guidance for peacetime ionising and nonionising radiation
protection. It applies to MOD ships, units and establishments both
in the United Kingdom and overseas. In times of war other standards
may apply. In situations other than peace or war i.e. transitions
between the two, the provisions in this publication should be
applied as far as is reasonable practicable, or as defined in
operational guidance. 2 Regulation of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Programme is described in JSP 518 and the regulation of the Nuclear
Weapons Programme is described in JSP 538. Similarly the policy for
nuclear accident response is laid down in JSP 471, MOD Nuclear
Accident Response. JSP 392 is called up by these publications. 3
The Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road, Rail and Sea including
radioactive materials (Class 7) is contained in JSP 800 part 4b and
Dangerous Air Cargo Regulations are contained in JSP 800 Part 4a.
STRUCTURE AND APPLICATION 4 The policy, instruction and guidance
for radiation protection are part of MODs arrangements for the
management of health, safety, and environment matters. The
overarching health and safety document is JSP 815 Defence
Environment and Safety Management. 5 JSP 375, the Ministry of
Defence Health and Safety Handbook provides instruction and
guidance on health and safety matters. JSP 418 The MOD Sustainable
Development and Environment Manual sets out MOD policy and provides
some practical guidance on the protection of the environment in the
Ministry of Defence. JSP 392 complements these publications. 6 JSP
392 is divided into two distinct volumes. Volume 1 contains
radiation protection policy, which is applicable throughout the MOD
and to its agencies. Reference is made in this volume to the
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) which is available on
the World Wide Web at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19993232.htm
and the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) which may need to be
purchased, See http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ 7 Volume 2 of the
publication contains instructions and guidance for units (including
ships) and establishments throughout the MOD. This is directed at
employers, Radiation Safety Officers (RSO), Radiation Protection
Supervisors (RPS) and users of radioactive material. This volume of
the publication has been written primarily for the small user. 8
This JSP in its entirety should not be referenced in contracts
documents. However, specific requirements in this document may be
detailed in a contract specification. Commercial Officers should
discuss with the subject matter expert in the appropriate TLB the
information that they intend to include.
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AVAILABILITY 9 This JSP must be made readily accessible to line
managers, radiation protection appointees and employees who wish to
see it. 10 The document is available on the Defence Intranet and
World Wide Web.
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CHAPTER 2 RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION AND MOD POLICY Contents Para 1
3 5 Introduction MOD Policy Roles and Responsibilities
INTRODUCTION 1 Radiological protection is a broad term that is
generally taken to encompass the protection of man and the
environment from the effects of both ionising and non-ionising
radiation. Those effects may arise from work activity, natural
sources, redundant material, waste or legacy material. 2 In
radiological protection, a distinct division can be made between
radiological protection for ionising and non-ionising radiations.
The two main aspects of radiological protection are health and
safety matters and environmental protection; they are interrelated
and both are relevant to nuclear safety. MOD POLICY 3 Both the
health and safety and the environmental protection, including
assurance, aspects of radiological protection must be considered
and managed within the overall framework of MODs policy for those
areas. This is set out in detail (together with guidance material)
in: JSP 815 the Defence Environment and Safety Management, where
you can find: 4 The Policy Statement by the Secretary of State for
Defence. Descriptions of MODs Boards etc dealing with environment,
safety and health. Interface arrangements between MOD and other
organisations. Information on the high-level structures for safety,
health, environment and fire matters with Service and defence
organisations.
JSP 375 the MOD Health and Safety Handbook. JSP 418 the MOD
Sustainable Development and Environment Manual. Briefly, it is the
policy of the Secretary of State for Defence that: Within the
United Kingdom, MOD will comply with all relevant applicable
legislation (including legislation giving effect to the UK's
international obligations). Overseas, MOD will apply UK standards
where reasonably practicable, and in addition comply with relevant
host nations' standards. Where MOD has been granted specific
exemptions, disapplications or derogations from legislation,
international treaties or protocols, we will introduce standards
and management arrangements that are, so far as reasonably
practicable, at least as good as those required by legislation.
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The Secretary of State for Defence will invoke the powers to
disapply legislation only on the grounds of national security and
only when such action is essential to maintain operational
capability. Where there is no relevant legislation, internal
standards MOD will aim to optimise the balance between risks and
benefits.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 5 The Secretary of State for Defence
has overall responsibility for all safety and environmental matters
within MOD. In the policy statement the Secretary of State
delegates the task of discharging the Secretary of States personal
responsibilities through the line management chain to the heads of
management areas at all levels, down to Heads of Establishments,
Directors and Commanding Officers. Line managers at lower levels
will also have duties under legislation, as will individuals (see
JSP 375 and JSP 418 for the full explanations). 6 It is therefore
often the case that Heads of Establishments, Directors and
Commanding Officers discharge the duties of the employer under the
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or other similar roles. However,
their ability to do so must necessarily be influenced by the
resources allocated to them by those higher in the chain of
delegation and their options may be limited by the instructions or
policy of higher management.
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CHAPTER 3 IONISING RADIATION PROTECTION POLICY Contents Para 1 2
10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 Principles of Radiological Protection
Legislation Nuclear Safety Compensation Scheme for Radiation Linked
Diseases Radiation Worker Counselling Dosimetry Radiation Dose
Information Radiation Monitoring Equipment Radon Monitoring
Radiation Warning Label
PRINCIPLES OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 1 For ionising radiation,
the main principles of radiation protection are formulated by the
International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) who publish
recommendations. ICRP also produce a great deal of practical
information. Other aspects of radiation protection derive from
other bodies, e.g. the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
and environmental forums. Governmental bodies etc may act upon the
ICRPs recommendations, IAEA Conventions etc to produce legislation
and other means of implementing a regime of radiological
protection. Where appropriate, this could form the basis of MOD
policy, e.g. in the absence of applicable legislation. LEGISLATION
2 The main UK statutes and subordinate legislation of interest to
MOD in radiological protection for ionising radiation are: Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974 Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information)
Regulations 2001 Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures)
Regulations 2000 Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of
Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007
Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) Exemption Orders
European Communities Act 1972 High Activity Sealed Radioactive
Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005 that amend RSA93
Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations
2004
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3 Equivalent legislation may exist for the Devolved
Administrations and UK overseas territories and dependencies. 4 The
legislation varies in its application to MOD and defence activities
and there are many other regulations etc on radiological
protection. 5 Legislation is supported by a variety of
publications, from statutory guidance and Approved Codes of
Practice through Government, non departmental public bodies and
agency advisory material to material from industry groups, e.g.
Good practice guidance for the management of contaminated land on
nuclear and defence sites, published by Safegrounds (an industry
group), and Clearance and Exemption Principles, Processes and
Practices for Use by the Nuclear Industry. 6 Given MODs peculiar
position under legislation as opposed to operators in the civil
sector it should be borne in mind that it is S of Ss policy to
comply with legislation or to introduce standards and management
arrangements that are, so far as reasonably practicable, at least
as good. 7 The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and its
subordinate legislation generally applies to MOD.
8 The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) contains a
disapplication in respect of certain defence sites. However, it is
MODs policy for the enforcing agencies to be provided with
information as if the law applied and for them to issue approvals
similar to those in the civil sector and to levy the same charges.
MOD has negotiated MoUs with the agencies that enforce RSA93 that
define how those agencies will fulfil their national responsibility
to oversee the safe keeping and disposal of radioactive material in
the MOD. 9 The Justification of Practices Involving Ionising
Radiation Regulations 2004 do not apply to defence activities. If
they did, they would have little impact until an entirely new
practice was conceived. At present, most of MODs practices appear
in the list of existing practices that was issued at the same time
as the regulations and is updated as new civil practices are
authorised. There are some practices that are particular to MOD,
such as the nuclear weapon and propulsion programmes. NUCLEAR
SAFETY 10 Nuclear safety is closely related to radiological
protection and the latter can have a major impact. The Nuclear
Installations Act 1965 (NIA65) does not bind the Crown (other than
a single provision on damage and liability) and so the Secretary of
State for Defence has appointed an internal regulator (DNSR, the
Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator) in this area. DNSR sponsors JSP
518 Regulation of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme and JSP
538 Regulation of the Nuclear Weapon Programme. However, the major
defence nuclear contractors are covered by NIA65 which is enforced
by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) of the Health and
Safety Executive (HSE). COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR RADIATION LINKED
DISEASES 11 MOD is a member of the Compensation Scheme for
Radiation Linked Diseases (the Scheme). Using the Scheme, it is
less arduous for the claimant, than going to law, to determine
whether compensation should be paid in relation to MOD radiation
workers (or their surviving dependants) who develop certain types
of cancer or cataracts (which may be linked with exposure to
ionising radiation at work). However, an application to the Scheme,
whether or not a payment is made, does not prevent those persons
seeking redress in law. Detailed information about the Compensation
Scheme is in Volume 2. RADIATION WORKER COUNSELLING 12 In response
to a recommendation of the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC
12th report Radiological Protection of Service and Civilian
Personnel), MOD offers counselling to radiation workers, former
radiation workers and their families. The counselling provides an
opportunity to discuss concerns with someone medically qualified to
give advice. It does not involve any medical examination, or any
form of medical surveillance or screening. Detailed information
about the counselling scheme is in Volume 2.
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DOSIMETRY 13 There are statutory requirements for employees to
be subject to radiation dose monitoring (dosimetry). A service for
this is generally available from Approved Dosimetry Service (ADS)
run by Dstl EDS at Alverstoke. Should any user wish to cease using
the Dstl ADS then this must be agreed by the appropriate TLB and
the Chief Environment and Safety Officer (MOD). Some sites may
already be using their own or other dosimetry services. RADIATION
DOSE INFORMATION 14 MOD contributes anonomised radiation worker
radiation dose statistics to the Health Protection Agencys for
their periodic review of the ionising radiation exposure of the UK
population. 15 The National Registry of Radiation Workers (NRRW) is
a database containing data on radiation workers and their
associated radiation exposure. Its purpose is to allow rates of
cancer and other causes of death of radiation workers to be
compared with those within the UK for each disease and tested
against the level of radiation exposure to see if any relationship
exists. The Ministry of Defence has been a major contributor since
1980. RADIATION MONITORING EQUIPMENT 16 The Marine Environment,
Survivability & Habitability IPT (MESH IPT) in DE&S has a
MOD-wide responsibility for chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear equipment (particularly monitoring equipment). They sponsor
JSP 425 Examination and Testing of Ionising Radiation Monitoring
(Including Protection) Instruments that gives the MOD policy for
the calibration of MOD radiation monitoring (including protection)
instruments. RADON MONITORING 17 Top Level Budget holders (TLBs),
in conjunction with the RPA, are periodically to review the need
for radon monitoring at sites and married quarters within their
area of responsibility. National surveys have identified Radon
Affected Areas (RAAs) where naturally occurring radon
concentrations are highest. So far, RAAs are in Cornwall, Devon,
Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Somerset, parts of Grampian and the
Highlands of Scotland, together with the southern parts of County
Armagh and County Down in Northern Ireland, but the identification
process continues. RADIATION WARNING LABEL 18 Within MOD there are
a small number of radioactive sources, which if removed from their
shielded containers, have the potential, from a short exposure, to
cause serious injury, or even death. Such sources are those used in
industrial radiography, radiation hardening examinations and in
high exposure radiation instrument testing. The International
Atomic Energy Agency has developed a universal radiation warning
symbol with the message of "Danger-Stay Away" that anyone anywhere
will understand. This is shown in Leaflet 4 Annex B. The new
radiation warning symbol will supplement, not replace, the existing
trefoil symbol. 19 In MOD establishments using such radioactive
sources the warning symbol is to be placed on the device housing
the source, as a warning not to dismantle the device or to get any
closer. Where practical, it should be placed under the device cover
such that it is not visible under normal use but would be visible
if anyone attempts to disassemble the device. The symbol is not
intended for doors, walls or shipping containers. 20 For new
equipments the label should be included as part of the purchasing
process. At establishments holding these sources the radiation
warning symbol should be added during the maintenance period. Such
small radiation warning labels would need to procured from a
supplier of signs or manufactured by units in their local
workshops.
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CHAPTER 4 RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES CONTROL POLICY Contents Para 1
7 8 9 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 23 25 27 28 29 30 31 34 General Parallel
Arrangements in MOD RSA93 Parallel Arrangements in England and
Wales Keeping and Use of Radioactive Substances EA Inspections MOD
Database of Radioactive Materials Audits and RPA Advisory Visits
MOD Safety and Environment Boards, Committees and Working Group
Structure RSA93 Parallel Arrangements in Scotland RSA93 Parallel
Arrangements in Northern Ireland Application of RSA93 to
Contractors and Museums HASSR 2005 Parallel Arrangements
Procurement and Use of Radioactive Materials Use of Radioactive
Material Consultation with an RPA Prior to the Introduction of New
Equipment Disposal of Redundant or Surplus Radioactive Materials
Accounting and Transfer of Radioactive Material Records and
Accountancy Transfer of Radioactive Articles Disposal of
Radioactive Items by Sale or Donation Disposal of Ships
GENERAL 1 The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) is the
main legislation covering the control of radioactive substances in
the United Kingdom. The Act does not apply to premises occupied on
behalf of the Crown for Naval, Military or Air Force purposes.
However, MOD policy is to implement parallel arrangements to those
required by the Act. 2 Practices involving certain high level
sealed radioactive sources are subject to additional control
measures under the High Activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and
Orphan Sources Regulations 2005 (HASSR 05). MOD policy is to
implement parallel arrangements, as these Regulations do not apply
to MOD premises. 3 Certain aspects of the control of radioactive
substances on nuclear licensed sites are regulated under the
Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (NIA 65). Licensing under this Act
is not applicable to the Crown and, on MOD nuclear sites, parallel
standards are applied through authorisation conditions by the
Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR) internal nuclear regulators
as described in JSP 518. 4 NIA 65, RSA 93 and HASSR 05, as
appropriate, are applied at MOD contractor operated sites such as
the nuclear licensed site at Devonport. 5 A number of arrangements
for the control and accounting for radioactive substances, articles
and equipment are embodied in the Ionising Radiation Regulations
1999 (IRR99) which are made under the Health and Safety at Work Act
1974 (HASAWA 74) and apply directly to the MOD in Great Britain.
Application of the HSWA and its regulation by the HSE is described
in JSP 375. In Northern Ireland, the applicable legislation is the
Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
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6 As stated in JSP 375, standards adopted in overseas Commands
should, as far as is reasonably practicable, be no less stringent
than those applying in the United Kingdom, subject to the
discretion of local commanders and taking cognisance of local
statutory requirements. PARALLEL ARRANGEMENTS IN MOD 7 The policy
on the application of parallel arrangements under RSA93 and HASS 05
with respect to radioactive substance control is described below.
The parallel arrangements apply across MOD with the exception of
MODs nuclear authorised sites where the control of non-mobile
radioactive substances is regulated by DNSR. Detailed instructions
on the arrangements are contained in Volume 2. RSA93 Parallel
Arrangements in England and Wales 8 A Memorandum of Understanding
between MOD and the EA formalises an agreement whereby the EA carry
out a number of quasi regulatory functions which together with
additional measures within MOD are intended to satisfy the
Secretary of States requirement that standards are, as far as is
reasonably practicable, at least as good as those required by
legislation. The main features administered by the EA are
summarised below: Keeping and Use of Radioactive Substances 9 To
parallel the registration requirements of Sections 7 and 10 of
RSA93, EA issues a Certificate of Notification to MOD users, which
is equivalent to the Certificate of Registration required by civil
users. 10 The Certificate of Notification carries terms and
conditions for that certificate. The standard terms and conditions
for MOD sites have been agreed centrally and compliance is a MOD
mandatory requirement. EA Inspections 11 EA are authorised by MOD
to carry out inspections of premises where radioactive materials
are held. These inspections will be carried out by arrangement with
CO/HE. EA will bring to the attention of CO/HEs any areas of
non-compliance. The CO/HE should inform DS&C of the outcome of
any EA inspection. 12 Inspections carried out by EA do not include
any remit to review MODs security arrangements.
13 A number of measures carried out and administered internally
within the MOD are necessary to complete the parallel arrangements
to satisfy SoS policy. They are: MOD Database of Radioactive
Materials 14 A database of MOD radioactive materials is maintained
to support the notification process.
Audits and RPA Advisory Visits 15 Audits are carried out at
every level in MOD. Appropriate audits at each level are to include
the control of radioactive substances. Dstl carry out RPA advisory
visits across the MOD other than nuclear weapons and nuclear
propulsion programmes areas. The advice provided is extended to
include advice on RSA93 matters. Generic findings of the RPA are
forwarded to the policy branch of MOD for scrutiny and development
of policy where appropriate. MOD Safety and Environment Boards,
Committees and Working Group Structure 16 Compliance with the
parallel arrangements laid down in JSP 392 is monitored through the
Defence Environment and Safety Board structure.
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RSA93 Parallel Arrangements in Scotland 17 [A Memorandum of
Understanding between MOD and the SEPA yet to be agreed summary
here as for EA depending on any differences.] RSA93 Parallel
Arrangements in Northern Ireland 18 [Summary as above when MOU in
place.]
Application of RSA93 to Contractors and Museums 19 Where
contractors and museums operate on premises within MOD managed
sites, disapplication of RSA93 is appropriate provided that: 19.1
The premises are occupied on behalf of the Crown for MOD purposes
and
19.2 MOD arrangements for equivalent/parallel standards and
management arrangements are applied through contractual or written
agreements 20 Disapplication of RSA93 should be considered on a
case by case basis and involve, as a minimum, consultation with the
RPA and the external environmental regulator. Reference should also
be made to the relevant Memorandum of Understanding with the
external environment agency. 21 In cases where there is doubt as to
whether the conditions of Para 12 are met, DS&C should also be
consulted. Where contractor or museum premises are not on an MOD
managed site, then, the case for disapplication is to include a
detailed statement as to how the conditions of Para 12 are to be
met. 22 General guidance on the management of contractors is
contained in JSP 375 Volume 2.
HASSR 2005 Parallel Arrangements 23 For non-nuclear MOD sites,
arrangements for Notification of the Environment Agencies described
under RSA93 above have been extended to encompass the additional
requirements for HASS. The main features which extend or differ
from the RSA93 parallel arrangements are: 23.1 An application for a
HASS Notification is to be made by the prospective holder direct to
the relevant environment agency. The practice, which utilises the
HASS, may not commence until the Certificate of Notification has
been received from the relevant environment agency. 23.2
Arrangements for the physical security of HASS are, so far as
reasonably practicable, to parallel those operative on civil sites.
Advice on physical security should be sought through the Principal
Security Adviser of the TLB concerned. 24 The regime for the
control of HASS held by MOD nuclear authorisees mirrors that
appertaining to civil nuclear licensees and is administered by the
DNSR. This regime does not extend to mobile HASS held by
authorisees, where the standard parallel arrangements for HASS
apply. PROCUREMENT AND USE OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS Use of
Radioactive Material 25 Radioactive material is not to be used in
MOD equipment where use of alternative materials is reasonably
practicable and consistent with meeting operational requirements.
Under no circumstances is Radium 226 to be used for luminous
items.
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26 Where the use of radioactive material is essential, the prior
risk assessment carried out in accordance with IRR 99 is to address
the use of possible alternative radionuclides. This is to enable
the selection of radionuclide(s) which carry the lowest reasonably
practicable overall risk, consistent with meeting operational
requirements. The cost and manner of disposal of radioactive
materials used will also need to be considered by IPTLs at an early
stage of the assessment. Consultation with an RPA prior to the
introduction of new equipment 27 In projects for which they have
responsibility, the DLO/DPA Integrated Project Team Leader (IPTL)
must include in contracts a requirement to consult with an RPA
prior to the introduction of any new radioactive material or
equipment capable of producing ionising radiation. Disposal of
Redundant or Surplus Radioactive Materials 28 Accumulation of
surplus or redundant radioactive material is to be avoided. It
should normally be disposed of within 3 months, usually via the
stores system. Where items cannot be returned through the stores
system, the RPA is to be consulted for advice. ACCOUNTING AND
TRANSFER OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Records and Accountancy 29 All
radioactive materials including those exempt from the need for a
Notification are to be recorded and accounted for. Transfer of
Radioactive Articles 30 When radioactive articles are transferred /
consigned from one site to another, a full audit trail of the
supply and receipt is to be maintained. The consignor must ensure
that the consignee has the appropriate regulatory permits (e.g.
Notification, Registration, etc) in place before commencing the
transfer. Disposal of Radioactive Items by Sale or Donation 31 The
disposal of radioactive items by sale or donation does not
constitute disposal as radioactive waste and therefore does not
require regulatory approval. However, the relevant environment
agency conditions prohibiting the sale or supply of materials,
unless it is suitably marked and/or described, are to be met.
Furthermore, with the exception of exempt articles, no radioactive
items are to be disposed of by sale or donation unless it is first
ascertained that the proposed recipient has appropriate
registration under RSA93. Proof that this was carried out should be
retained for audit. 32 Sales of radioactive articles to overseas
customers may be subject to special rules or conditions. In all
such cases, advice is to be sought from the appropriate RPA before
sale arrangements commence. 33 No items containing radium-226 are
to be offered for sale to or donated to the general public.
Disposal of Ships 34 It is MOD policy that all major platforms,
including ships and aircraft are monitored for radioactive items
prior to disposal.
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CHAPTER 5 RADIOACTIVE WASTE Contents Para 1 5 6 7 10 12
Introduction UK Radioactive Waste Inventory Radioactive Waste
Ownership Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and Defence Related
Activities Discharges to the Environment UK Strategy for
Radioactive Discharges
INTRODUCTION 1 The MOD is committed to complying, with
legislation and so far as is reasonably practicable, with national
policies relating to the management of radioactive waste and
decommissioning. Details of national policy on the management of
radioactive waste can be found on the DEFRA website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/radioactivity/index.htm 2 MOD
in managing radioactive waste is committed to delivering the
commitments in the Secretary of States Policy Statement on Safety
Health and Environmental Protection. In particular radioactive
waste management practices must be framed in the context of the
MODs policies and management arrangements on sustainable
development and the environment. These are detailed in JSP 418
Sustainable Development and Environment Manual available on the
Defence Intranet and on the World Wide Web. 3 As a general policy,
managers and waste owners must: 3.1 Ensure through the use of best
practical means1, that due consideration is given to not creating
waste; or where this is not reasonably practical, minimising the
generation of radioactive waste at every stage of any activity
involving radioactive materials; 3.2 Carefully consider decay
storage, recycling and/or reuse of materials2 and incineration as
an alternative to declaring them as waste;
The BPM principle has most recently been defined by a statement
of the UK Government and the devolved administrations' policy on
the decommissioning of nuclear facilities
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/09/19915/42728
Essentially, it requires operators to take all reasonably
practicable measures in the design and operational management of
their facilities to minimise discharges and disposals of
radioactive waste, so as to achieve a high standard of protection
for the public and the environment. BPM is applied to such aspects
as minimising waste creation, abating discharges and monitoring
plant, discharges and the environment. It takes account of such
factors as the availability and cost of relevant measures, operator
safety and the benefits of reduced discharges and disposals. If the
operator is using BPM, radiation risks to the public and the
environment will be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).2
1
This requirement is contained in the Policy for the long
management of solid low level radioactive waste in the United
Kingdom
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/radioactivity/waste/pdf/llwpolicystatement070326.pdf
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3.3 Ensure through the use of best practical means, that risks
and doses to people now and in the future are kept as low as
reasonably practical; 3.4 Ensure through the use of best practical
means, that harm to the environment now and in the future so far as
is practical is minimised; 3.5 Ensure from the conceptual stage,
that for all activities involving radioactive substances, the
method of eventual disposal has been considered and resources
provided, this includes where required, the provision of
decommissioning plans; 3.6 Establish performance indicators to
demonstrate the extent to which these policy requirements are being
achieved; and 3.7 Conform, where reasonably practicable, to the
Environment Agencies risk screening and appraisal methodologies. 4
At the direction of the Sustainable Development and Environment
Board, DS&C may carry out top level audits to determine
compliance with these policy requirements and where necessary,
functional audits of specific areas and activities. UK RADIOACTIVE
WASTE INVENTORY 5 Waste owners are required to provide timely and
accurate information about the radioactive waste they hold and
projected future radioactive waste arisings to the organisation
contracted by DEFRA/NIREX to produce the UK Radioactive Waste
Inventory. DGSM (NW-SI2) coordinates the collation of this
information across MOD and ensures that the required information is
provided in the required form and by the due date. RADIOACTIVE
WASTE OWNERSHIP 6 Because the Secretary of State (S of S) is
accountable for and responsible for the safe management of defence
related radioactive wastes it is generally MOD policy to retain
title of defence related radioactive waste. Advice should be sought
from DS&C where the transfer of title of radioactive waste to
another party is being considered, in order that advice on the
legal implications can be sought (Euratom, IAEA treaty obligations
etc). RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES ACT 1993 AND DEFENCE RELATED
ACTIVITIES 7 The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 is disapplied by
virtue of subsection 2 of section 42 of the Radioactive Substances
Act 1993 in respect of premises occupied on behalf of the Crown for
Royal Naval, Military or Royal Air Force purposes Advice on the
interpretation of the extent of this disapplication in a particular
circumstance should be sought, in the first instance, from the
Radiation Protection Advisor. Where they are unable to resolve the
issue, DS&C should be consulted. 8 To fulfil the requirements
of S of Ss policy, MOD has established formal arrangements
(including a Radioactive Substances and Nuclear Annex on RSA93
matters to the MOD/EA MOU) with the environmental regulators that
describe the arrangements to establish a degree of control
equivalent to that in the civil sector. These Annexes can be found
at [to be inserted]. 9 Unless items can be disposed of under local
regulations overseas with agreement of the countries relevant
bodies radioactive waste is to be returned to the UK and disposed
of in accordance with UK legislation and the agreement of the UK
regulators. DISCHARGES TO THE ENVIRONMENT 10 Waste owners and
managers are to ensure the proactive publication of information
about discharges to the environment of radioactive substances as
required by the Environmental Information Regulations.
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11 It is MOD policy to provide information about radioactive
discharges to the environment for inclusion in the Environment
Agencys National Pollution Inventory; DGSM provides data to the
Environment Agency. DS&C currently coordinates the inclusion of
data for inclusion in the Radioactivity in Food and the Environment
Reports (RIFE Reports) produced by the Food Standards Agency. These
reports can be found at
http://www.food.gov.uk/science/surveillance/radiosurv/ UK STRATEGY
FOR RADIOACTIVE DISCHARGES 12 The MOD is bound by the national
commitments in the UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges
2001-2020, which sets out how the UK will implement the OSPAR
radioactive discharge strategy.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/radioactivity/government/discharges/pdf/rad_dischargestrat1.pdf
is the website address for this document. 13 The strategy requires:
13.1 progressive and substantial reduction of radioactive
discharges and discharge limits, to achieve the strategy targets
for each; 13.2 progressive reduction of human exposure to ionising
radiation arising from radioactive discharges, as a consequence of
reductions in discharges, such that a representative member of a
critical group of the general public will be exposed to an
estimated mean dose of no more than 0.02 millisieverts (mSv) a year
from liquid radioactive discharges to the marine environment made
from 2020 onwards; 13.3 progressive reduction of concentrations of
radionuclides in the marine environment resulting from radioactive
discharges, such that by 2020 they add close to zero to historic
levels. (The terms "close to zero" and "historic levels" are not
defined in the OSPAR Strategy and the OSPAR Commission is
continuing to work on establishing agreed definitions). 14 This
strategy recognises that, within the policy of progressive
reduction, some flexibility will need to be maintained to safeguard
other key Government objectives including the operational
capabilities of the armed forces. 15 The Defence sector targets in
the national strategy are: 15.1 By 2020, tritium discharges from
the defence sector are expected to be reduced from 0.7 TBq to 0.4
TBq a year; and 15.2 year. 16 Other beta/gamma discharges are
expected to be reduced from 0.005 to 0.003 TBq a
DS&C is the focal point for the collation of data for
submission to DEFRA for the national strategy.
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CHAPTER 6 NON-IONISING RADIATION PROTECTION POLICY Contents Para
1 3 4 7 Table 1 Introduction Principles of Radiological Protection
Legislation MOD Policy Page Nomenclature for Non-ionising
Radiation........................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION 1 Non-ionising (NIR) radiation covers a range of
the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet through visible
light and radiofrequencies to static fields. The common
designations for the division of non-ionising radiation into named
regions are shown in Table 1. 2 This chapter is not intended to be
applied to the exposure of patients undergoing exposure to NIR for
therapeutic or diagnostic reasons. PRINCIPLES OF RADIOLOGICAL
PROTECTION 3 There have been formal guidelines for the protection
of personnel from non-ionising radiation for decades (certainly
1960 for radio frequencies and 1965 for lasers). The International
Radiation Protection Association (IRPA), the international body
representing radiation protection professionals world-wide, has
chartered the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) as an independent Commission for the purpose of
advancing Non Ionizing Radiation Protection for the benefit of
people and the environment and in particular to provide guidance
and recommendations on protection from NIR exposure. There are also
numerous professional and national bodies that make recommendation,
give guidance or may legislate. Examples of these are the American
Conference of Governmental Hygienists (USA), the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (USA), the Health Protection
Agency (UK), IEC/CENELEC/BSI (international/Europe/UK lasers).
LEGISLATION 4 There is no UK legislation specific to non-ionising
radiation protection. Therefore, the following legislation is most
relevant: the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974; the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. 5
The agencies enforcing UK legislation refer to the advice given to
government by the Radiation Protection Division of the Health
Protection Agency (formerly the National Radiological Protection
Board). That advice is to conform to the ICNIRP guidelines.
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6 The European Union has adopted Directive (2004/40/EC) 29 April
2004 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the
exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents
(electromagnetic fields) that lays down the basis for controlling
occupational exposure. This will be transposed into UK legislation,
no later than 24 May 2008. It uses a scheme of basic restrictions
and reference levels drawn from the ICNIRP guidelines. There also
exists Council Recommendation (1999/519/EC) of 12 July 1999 on the
limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic
fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz). Being a Recommendation, it is not binding
on EU Member States, hence the lack of UK legislation, but the UK
has moved towards its implementation. MOD POLICY 7 The Secretary of
States Policy is discussed under ionising radiation protection
policy and exactly the same principles apply to non-ionising
radiation protection. 8 It is MOD policy that exposure of personnel
to EMF will conform to the guidance from the Health Protection
Agency's Radiological Protection Division, wherever reasonably
practicable. Such exposure should, in addition, be kept to as low a
level as is reasonably practicable. There is more information in
Leaflet 22 of JSP 375 the MOD Health & Safety Handbook for
electromagnetic fields and waves (0 Hz to 300 GHz) and JSP 390
Military Laser Safety.
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Table 1 Nomenclature for Non-ionising Radiation EM Spectrum
Designations Static fields 0 Hz > 0 Hz Sub ELF 30 Hz ELF 300 Hz
VF 3 kHz VLF 30 kHz LF 300 kHz MF 3 MHz HF 30 MHz VHF 300 MHz UHF 3
GHz SHF 30 GHz EHF 300 GHz or 1 mm IRC 3 m IRB 14 m IRA 760 nm
Visible 400 nm UVA 315 nm UVB 280 nm UVC 100 nm continuation of
ultraviolet 10 nm X & rays < 10 nm
Non-ionising
Infrared
Microwaves Electromagnetic
Radiofrequency (RF)
Ionising
X & rays
Ultraviolet
optical radiations
Vis
electromagnetic fields
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CHAPTER 7 RADIATION PROTECTION COMMITTEES Contents Para 1 2 4
Introduction Radiation Protection Policy Development Committee and
the Radioactive Waste Working Group Radiation Protection
Instrumentation Committee
INTRODUCTION 1 The roles and responsibilities for the overall
management health safety and environment are described in JSP 815
Defence Environment and Safety Management. Broadly, there is a
separation between functional safety boards that deal with policy,
MOD parallel arrangements where legislation does not apply to MOD
and assurance issues, and management boards and appointees that
implement and assure compliance with legislation, MOD and local
policy in health safety and environment. RADIATION PROTECTION
POLICY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND THE RADIOACTIVE WASTE WORKING
GROUP 2 The Defence Environment and Safety Board, Occupational
Health and Safety Board (OHSB), Sustainable Development and
Environment Board (SDEB) and Defence Nuclear Environment and Safety
Board all have a functional interest in radiological protection.
Their individual roles and interrelationships are described in JSP
815. 3 The Radiation Protection Policy Development Committee
(RPPDC) reports to the OHSB and the Radioactive Waste Working Group
(RWWG) to the RPPDC. The terms of reference (TORs) of both these
Committees are contained in JSP 375. These committees may set up
working groups as they deem necessary to develop policy on specific
topics. RADIATION PROTECTION INSTRUMENTATION COMMITTEE 4 The
Radiation Protection Instrumentation Committee (RPIC) reports to
the RPPDC. Its TORs are given in JSP 425.
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CHAPTER 8 RADIATION PROTECTION APPOINTMENTS Contents Para 1 2
Aim Introduction Appointments by the Commanding Officer / Head Of
Establishment Statutory Appointments Appointed Doctor Radiation
Protection Adviser Radiation Protection Supervisor Dosimetry and
Dosimetry Record Keeping Services MOD Appointments Radiation Safety
Officer Workplace Supervisor Qualified Person Employees
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 AIM
1 This chapter outlines the duties and the responsibilities for
radiological protection of personnel within establishments and
units. INTRODUCTION 2 The Policy Statement on safety health and
environmental protection in the Ministry of Defence by the
Secretary of State for Defence devolves duties through the line
management chain, such that the Commanding Officer/Head of
Establishment is a duty holder for environmental and health and
safety matters, including radiation protection (see JSP 815 Chapter
3 paragraph 28 etc). CO/HE is required to make a statement
detailing their organisation and arrangements in these areas, the
appointments detailed below will be part of this. APPOINTMENTS BY
THE COMMANDING OFFICER / HEAD OF ESTABLISHMENT Statutory
Appointments Appointed Doctor 3 In general, where classified
persons are employed, the Commanding Officer/Head of Establishment
is to ensure that a registered medical practitioner is available to
carry out the duties of the Appointed Doctor (AD) under the
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) The role of the AD and
his appointment are described in Leaflet 6. Radiation Protection
Adviser 4 A Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) will advise the
Commanding Officer/Head of Establishment on compliance with
national legislation and MOD standards etc. The Commanding
Officer/Head of Establishment has a duty to consult the Radiation
Protection Adviser on matters which are set out in schedule 5 of
IRR99. Sites working within MODs nuclear weapons and nuclear
propulsion programmes will have appointed local RPAs. Otherwise,
TLBs will have made arrangements for RPA advice to be available.
The RPA for most units and establishment outside the nuclear
programmes is Dstl Environmental Sciences Department.
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Radiation Protection Supervisor 5 Radiation Protection
Supervisors (RPS) are to be appointed by the employer to enable
work with ionising radiation to be carried out in accordance with
legislation. Appointments are to be made in writing. Dosimetry and
Dosimetry Record Keeping Services 6 Where IRR99 requires it, a HSE
Approved Dosimetry Service must be used to undertake dose
assessments using suitable monitors. It is a requirement of IRR99
that the records of such assessments are kept by a HSE Approved
Dosimetry Record Keeping Service (ADRKS). Generally, arrangements
for this will be made through the TLB. MOD Appointments Radiation
Safety Officer 7 The role of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is
analogous to that of the Safety Adviser described in JSP 375.
Depending upon workload, competence etc one or more individuals may
be appointed to these roles. Appointments are to be made in
writing. Workplace Supervisor 8 Workplace Supervisor (WPSs) are
appointed where it is unnecessary to appoint an RPS, to undertake
duties to ensure that work with sources of ionising radiation is
carried out in accordance with legislation, the requirements of
this publication and local orders for radiation safety. WPSs may be
appointed to supervise radioactive materials, X-ray equipments or
radon that does not require the setting up of designated areas or a
combination of these activities. Appointments are to be made in
writing. Qualified Person 9 The employer of an establishment which
has its own ionising radiation protection instrument test house, is
to appoint in writing one or more qualified persons to carry out or
to supervise the testing of ionising radiation protection
instruments in accordance with JSP 425 and IRR99. Qualified persons
appointees are to receive the qualification and training specified
in JSP 425. 10 Persons appointed to carry out or supervise the
examination and testing of radiation detection and monitoring
equipment are to, as a minimum, complete the training specified in
JSP 425. Job specific training requirements are to be specified in
local orders. EMPLOYEES 11 Employees also have the duties with
regard to radiation protection described in regulation 24 of IRR99
and paragraph 560 of the ACOP.
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CHAPTER 9 TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS IN RADIATION PROTECTION
Contents Para 1 3 5 6 Introduction Provision of Suitable Training
Training and Qualifications for Specific Radiation Protection Posts
and Appointments Training Records
INTRODUCTION 1 The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 (MHSWR 99) requires every employer to ensure that
their employees are provided with adequate health and safety
training on being first recruited and on being exposed to new risks
this training is to be repeated periodically where appropriate. The
Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR 99) require employers to
ensure that employees engaged in work with ionising radiation are
given appropriate training in the field of radiation protection. 2
The particular, appointments specified by IRR 99 are the Radiation
Protection Adviser (RPA), Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) and
Appointed Doctor. The requirement for these appointments and other
radiation protection appointments required within MOD are detailed
in Chapter 8, which also identifies the duties of Commanding
Officers and Heads of Establishment to make sufficient appointments
and to ensure that appointees and other personnel are adequately
supervised and have been given information, instruction and
training in the tasks they are to undertake. PROVISION OF SUITABLE
TRAINING 3 Commanding Officers and Heads of Establishment are to
ensure that the training requirements, including refresher
training, for all radiation protection appointments and employees
engaged in work with ionising radiation are specified in local
orders. It is also to be ensured that visitors who are provided
access to ionising radiations are given suitable information,
instruction and training. 4 The training specifications may draw
directly from the requirements of this publication, from guidance
issued by the regulators and from the advice of a suitable RPA.
Training may often include generic training courses delivered by an
MOD or external provider but it should also include elements
specific to the task or job to be carried out and to the hazards
and risks concerned. TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR SPECIFIC
RADIATION PROTECTION POSTS AND APPOINTMENTS 5 Training and
qualifications for specific posts and appointments is detailed in
Volume 2, leaflet 15.
TRAINING RECORDS 6 A record is to be kept of the training
undertaken for two years following termination of the
appointment.
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CHAPTER 10 RADIATION DOSE CONTROL Contents Para 1 3 5
Introduction Formal Investigation Level Non-human Species
INTRODUCTION 1 This chapter describes the MOD policy that is
additional to the requirements of legislation. Detailed
requirements can be found in Volume 2 of this publication. 2
Radiation doses are controlled by two regimes, overall management
control and physical arrangements. Any practice involving exposure
to ionising radiation must be planned and risk assessed. An element
of this will be to ensure that doses are kept as low as reasonably
practicable (ALARP). This will make it apparent whether or not the
provisions of IRR99 relating to the designation of areas,
classification of workers etc need to be applied. Out of this
process, management should be able to establish targets that will
assist them in assessing their success in achieving high standards
of radiological protection including keeping exposures ALARP. An
example of this is the dose constraint, which is set at a level
consistent with the successful operation of the practice but lower
than statutory limits and reporting points. FORMAL INVESTIGATION
LEVEL 3 A formal investigation level is to be prescribed by
Commanding Officers for occupationally exposed workers. This
investigation level is set at a maximum of 6 mSv effective dose in
any calendar year, although local circumstances will often justify
the setting of a lower level. The RPA must be consulted as to the
setting of an appropriate investigation level. 4 Where the
effective dose to any MOD employee exceeds the investigation level,
a locally conducted investigation is to be carried out by the
Commanding Officer to determine whether all steps are being taken
to keep radiation exposure ALARP. Detailed instructions are
contained in Volume 2 Leaflet 14. The RPA must be consulted as to
the conduct of this investigation. NON-HUMAN SPECIES 5 MOD follows
the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological
Protection (ICRP) who believes that the standards of environmental
control needed to protect man to the degree currently thought
desirable will ensure that other species are not put at risk.
Occasionally, individual members of non-human species might be
harmed, but not to the extent of endangering whole species or
creating imbalance between species. However, the ICRP are
revisiting this position and are developing criteria for reference
animals and plants. MOD will follow developments, both
internationally and nationally, and will keep this policy under
review.
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CHAPTER 11 RECORD KEEPING Contents Para 1 2 4 7 8 11 Annex A
Records of Interest Primary and Secondary (Supporting) Records
Introduction Dosimetry Records Record Retention MOD Agencies
Closure of Sites Privatised Companies
INTRODUCTION 1 The keeping of many radiation records is a
statutory requirement and within legislation the timescales for
which records have to be kept are also specified
