The Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) is a legal appointment under Regulation 18 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).
Taking into account the range and complexity of the work and the number of different locations to be covered the Employer must appoint, in writing, sufficient RPSs to provide cover for the work being done; considering factors such as peripatetic work away from the base, shift work, and absence due to sickness, training and holidays. The number of RPSs must be sufficient to make sure that work is adequately supervised.
The names of all appointed RPSs must be set down in the local rules.
The criteria under IRR17 for determining the suitability of an individual for performing the role of RPS are to:
- know and understand the requirements of the Regulations and local rules relevant to the work with ionising radiation;
- command sufficient authority from the people doing the work to allow them to supervise the radiation protection aspects of that work;
- understand the necessary precautions to be taken and the extent to which they will restrict exposures;
- be given sufficient time and resources to carry out their functions;
- know what to do in an emergency.
RPSs must receive adequate training for the role of RPS under Regulation 15 of IRR17, this can be provided by SGA (see our website for details). The regulations also state that ‘in general’ an RPS will be an individual already employed to carry out work with ionising radiation.
The primary role of the Radiation Protection Supervisor is to ensure compliance with the local rules and regulations regarding the use of ionising radiation. However, the Health and Safety Executive, the competent authority for enforcing IRR17, have stated that the legal responsibility cannot be passed on to the RPS and remains solely with the employer.
The duties of an RPS can include:
- supervising work with ionising radiation, ensuring all relevant staff are working in accordance with the site’s local rules.
- assisting in the development of the local rules.
- reviewing the local rules regularly to ensure they are accurate and up to date.
- ensuring employees are aware of, and understand, the local rules.
- issuing and collecting personal dosimetry and reviewing and auditing personal dosimetry results.
- arranging servicing, repair or testing appointments.
- performing checks on safety and warning systems.
- retaining training records, ensuring all staff working with ionising radiation are adequately trained and are aware of the local rules, safety measures and contingency arrangements.
- conducting or arranging for radiation awareness training.
- assisting in the event of a contingency and organising rehearsals of the contingency plan.
- undertaking PPE checks.
- carrying out Quality Assurance checks.
- auditing the Exposure Log.
This not an exhaustive list and the duties of an RPS will vary depending on the complexity of the work involving ionising radiation and what radiation applications are present. For smaller set ups, the RPS may spend a few hours a month on these duties, whilst for more complex uses it may be a full-time position.
The employer should be clear about the role they expect the RPS to fulfil; the areas to be covered by each RPS should be agreed prior to appointment and be detailed in the RPS appointment letter.
In summary, the RPS plays a crucial role in upholding a safe working environment in areas where ionising radiation is present. Their expertise is key in accident prevention and in ensuring that all safety measures are followed, therefore, protecting both employees and the general public from possible radiation exposure.
Regular training and refresher courses are necessary to keep the RPS up to date with best practices and regulatory developments. It is recommended that RPS training is refreshed every 3 years but must not exceed 5, frequency depends on the professional sector work with ionising radiation is undertaken in.
