Ionising Radiation Policy Statement

SOCOTEC UK is the UK’s leading Environmental Compliance Company offering inspection, testing, investigation, advice and specialist equipment to customers through an unrivalled range of technical expertise and accredited services.

Whenever work with ionising radiation is undertaken within SOCOTEC UK, then it shall be with due regard to current legislation and the relevant internal Local Rules and Standard Operating Procedures.

To ensure that these requirements are met, SOCOTEC UK have appointed external Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA), Radiation Waste Advisers (RWA) and Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (DGSA). The RPA/RWA/DGSA(s) will provide advice and guidance on all matters relating to ionising radiation and will also provide any necessary technical support, such as monitoring, required to fulfil those duties.

Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) have been appointed by local management, who have had suitable training and direct knowledge of daily activities. Senior co-ordinating RPSs have been appointed for a business where multiple locations are involved.

Work activities involving ionising radiation shall be risk assessed in consultation with the relevant RPA/RWA/DGSA as appropriate.

This policy ensures that all activities involving ionising radiation consisting of open and sealed sources, (including samples that are classed as radioactive) are detailed in valid Standard Operating Procedures / Local Rules or equivalent. These are reviewed by subject matter experts and authorised by a Director. Ensuring that these documents have considered Best Available Techniques to minimise (ALARP) radiation doses to persons undertaking the activities or those who may be exposed.

SOCOTEC UK complies with the statutory dose limits stipulated in the current Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRRs) and its Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) as detailed in our Local Rules. Generally, SOCOTEC UK staff will not be exposed to a greater effective dose than the general public, at an average of 1 mSv per year.

SOCOTEC UK Ltd, as the employer, have notified regulators and applied for and gained the appropriate permits and registrations where applicable required under:

Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 and (Amendment) Regulations 2011

Where applicable, SOCOTEC UK work with local area Counter Terrorist Security Advisers (CTSAs) to ensure compliance with NaCTSO security requirements.

The above legislation and local rules and procedures contain the fundamental requirements needed to control and restrict the exposure of employees and others, whilst undertaking work with ionising radiation involving any sources and shall be followed by all employees working at SOCOTEC UK premises and field-based activities.

SOCOTEC UK ensures that training is provided to all persons who undertake work with ionising radiation. We shall provide the appropriate courses, training and information so far as is reasonably practicable to all employees.

In addition, relevant monitoring has been arranged for the activities of SOCOTEC UK as specified in the applicable regulations with regards to:

Occupational Health Monitoring
Conditions outlined in Permits held by SOCOTEC UK
Production of Radioactive Waste samples.
Discharge, Air & Emissions.
Equipment testing & calibration

Nicolas Detchepare 17/07/2023

Chief Executive Officer
SOCOTEC UK Limited

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