The principal legislation is the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, though other legislation may also apply. Under the 1993 Act radioactive substances can only be kept and used by those registered to do so and radioactive waste can only be stored and disposed of if authorised.
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/2975)
The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (REPPIR) are intended to implement articles 48 to 52 on intervention in cases of radiation emergency in an European Council Directive on the basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation (Directive 96/29 EURATOM). The Regulations subsume elements of the Public Information for Radiation Emergencies Regulations 1992 and improve consistency on emergency preparedness between regulations for different industries, particularly with the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999.
Where there is potential for a radiation emergency, a risk assessment must be carried out which covers employees, and any other people, likely to be exposed. Employers should take reasonably practical steps to prevent an emergency, and where this fails, to limit its consequences by providing training, equipment and information to limit exposure. A risk assessment must be reviewed if it is more than three years old, or the nature of the work changes. The need for an emergency plan must cover not only operators but extends to rail carriers transporting radioactive substances.
Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93)
Consolidates earlier legislation including the Radioactive Substances Act 1960.
Requires those keeping and using radioactive materials (sections 6-12 and 19-20) to register with the Environment Agency, and those disposing of radioactive wastes or accumulating it for subsequent disposal to be authorised (sections 13-18 and 19-20). The Act also sets out the enforcement procedures. Successful applicants are granted certificates of registration (which may contain conditions if the Agency thinks fit), and/ or certificates of authorisation. Any radioactive materials kept or used for more than three months are considered to be accumulations. The certificates of authorisation will include conditions regarding discharge limits and disposal methods. A copy of the certificate of authorisation must be prominently displayed.
Section 29 of RSA93 enables the Secretary of State to arrange for suitable radioactive waste storage and disposal facilities to be provided in consultation with the relevant Local Authority. Section 30 allows the Secretary of State to dispose of waste in certain circumstance (e.g. where there is a risk that radioactive waste may be disposed of unlawfully with the provision of cost recovery from the owner or occupier of the premises in question).
Radioactive Substances (Appeals) Regulations 1990
Sets out appeal procedures for operators in respect of registration, authorisation or enforcement requirements of RSA93. The right of appeal is contained in sections 26 and 27 of RSA93.
Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Act 1991
Apply to the transport of radioactive material by road.
Public Information for Radiation Emergencies Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2997)
Implement the 1989 EU Directive (89/618/Euratom) on informing the general public about health protection measures to be applied and steps to be taken in the event of a radiological emergency.
Define radiation emergencies in terms of dose levels. Set out the requirements for activities having a reasonably foreseeable risk of a radiation emergency to make publicly available certain information including data on the consequences to people and the environment. The area of risk to the public is defined by HSE, while each County Council must prepare and update information (and advice) on the risks of radiation emergencies in their County.
Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste Regulations 1993 (SI 1993/3031) as amended by the Environment Act 1995 s120(1)
Sets out the authorisation requirements for the transfrontier shipment of radioactive waste into and out of the UK. The regulations implement the requirements of the EU Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste Directive 1992 (92/3/EURATOM). The regulatory body is the Environment Agency.
Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Great Britain Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/1350) as amended by SI 2003/1867
Introduced under the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Act 1991. They are based on international standards laid down in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recommended Regulations for Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (Safety Series No 6). The regulations set out compulsory testing requirements and packaging standards for the safe carriage of radioactive materials by road.
Packaging, Labelling and Carriage of Radioactive Material by Rail Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/2090) as amended by SI 1999/303 and SI 2002/2099
Control the transport of radioactive materials by rail. They are based on international standards laid down in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recommended Regulations for Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (Safety Series No 6).
The Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No. 1093)
These Regulations implement regulations made by the International Atomic Energy Agency and additional requirements contained in the European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR) as amended up to 1 July 2001.
They revoke the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/1350) which implemented earlier (1985) IAEA Regulations.