Radioactivity - Legislation for radioactivity in the UK - general overview
Radioactive Substances Act
- Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) (on HMSO website)
The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) is concerned with control over the security of radioactive materials and in ensuring that any appropriate and justified accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste occurs with minimum impact on the general public and the environment.
RSA93 is regulated in England and Wales by the Environment Agency (EA), in Scotland by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and in Northern Ireland by the Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate (IPRI).
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Nuclear Installations Act 1965
The main legislation covering the safety of workers and the general public at nuclear installations, in the UK, is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA 74) and its Relevant Statutory Provisions, which include the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (NIA65).
The Nuclear Installations Act applies specific regulatory controls to nuclear plants. Under this Act, apart from certain exceptions, no site may be used for the purpose of installing or operating any nuclear installation unless the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have granted a licence.
- The Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/1769) (on OPSI website)
The principle of justification is that no practice involving exposures to radiation should be adopted unless it produces sufficient benefit to the exposed individuals or to society to offset the radiation detriment it causes. These regulations came into force on 2 August 2004. They transpose into UK law the justification requirements of two European Directives which protect the health of individuals against the dangers of ionising radiation.
- The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, (SI 1999/ 3232) (on OPSI website)
Regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Designed to ensure that exposure to ionising radiation arising from work activities, whether man-made or natural, is kept as low as reasonably practicable and does not exceed specified dose limits for individuals. Enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Regulations 2002
- The Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Regulations 2002 (on OPSI website)
These regulations regulate all road transport of radioactive material and are based on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials 1996 Safety Guide TS-G-1.1 (ST-2). RAM Road 2002 is regulated by the Department for Transport.
- Safety Guide TS-G-1.1 (ST-2) PDF (on DFT website) - June 2002
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR)
- Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) (on OPSI website)
This provides protection to members of the public from emergencies that might arise from work with ionising radiations. A radiation emergency is defined as an accident or event in which a member of the public receives an effective dose greater than 5 mSv within a period of 1 year. Companies and organisations that hold unsealed radioactive materials should carry out an assessment to decide whether these regulations apply. REPPIR places legal duties on hospitals, universities, rail transport carriers, local authorities and employers of people who intervene in a radiation emergency. REPPIR is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive.
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Page last modified: 13 September 2007