Applying the Ionising Radiation Regulations to radon in the UK workplace.
As a response to the identification of a health risk from workplace radon in the UK, the Ionising Radiations Regulations include the protection of workers from excessive levels of radon. Employers are required to make risk assessments, and the interpretation of the Health and Safety Executive is that the regulations apply to workplace premises in locations already designated as Radon Affected Areas for domestic purposes, with the difference that in workplaces, it is the maximum winter radon concentration rather than the annual average which is the parameter of interest. This paper discusses the rationale behind the current regulatory environment, outlines the role and duties of Accredited Radiation Protection Advisers and summarises the strategies necessary to conform to the regulations.
Denman
A R
AR
Medical Physics Department, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton NN1 5BD, UK. tony.denman@northampton.ac.uk
D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom
D011886:Radon