Radioactive Legislation
OVERVIEW
All persons who keep or use radioactive materials are required by the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 to apply to and be registered by the appropriate agency. Likewise, an authorisation is required for the disposal of any radioactive waste, including waste from mobile radioactive apparatus and the accumulation of any such wastes for subsequent disposal. A copy of the certificate of registration and authorisation should be prominently displayed at the premises, where these substances are used or kept or which are or may be affected by the matters set out in the certificate. Where the conditions of the registration or authorisation are contravened or there is a risk of environmental harm, the Agency may serve enforcement, prohibition or revocation notices on the company. Such notices may be withdrawn once the Agency is satisfied that the risk has been dealt with. An appeal against the decision of the Agency can be made to the Secretary of State. Certain exemptions from registration and authorisation are also provided by the law. Failure to comply with the requirements of law is an offence punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment.
The links to further information below are restricted to Members and Associates. To purchase a time limited Associates account please click here.
Road Transport of radioactive material
OVERVIEW
There is a general prohibition on the transportation of any radioactive material unless it is in accordance with the requirements of the Radioactive Materials (Road Transport) Regulations 2002. The law imposes certain duties on the consignors and carriers of radioactive substances with respect to the packaging, shipment, protection measures, disclosure of information, contamination, regulatory approvals, preparation of emergency arrangements in case of radiological emergency and retention of information and documents. In addition, there is also a general duty to exercise reasonable care to ensure that in the course of the transport of a consignment no injury to health or any damage to property or to the environment is caused. The operator and carrier are also required to prepare an emergency plan and inform the public in case of a radiation emergency. The legal requirements do not apply in an emergency response intended to save human lives or protect the environment, provided all measures are taken to ensure that such transportation is carried out in complete safety. Where it appears to an inspector that any radioactive package is being transported without complying with the requirements of law, or the vehicle transporting it has been involved in an accident, or the radioactive package has been lost or stolen, he shall issue a prohibition notice. Failure to comply with the requirements of such a prohibition notice constitutes an offence punishable with a fine or imprisonment or both. The inspector may also issue an enforcement notice where he suspects the contravention of the law. The inspector or examiner has also power of entry into any vehicle used to transport radioactive packages or premises to prevent the failure of compliance with the requirements of law.
The links to further information below are restricted to Members and Associates. To purchase a time limited Associates account please click here.