Ionising radiation safety

Ionising radiation occurs as either electromagnetic rays: x-rays and gamma rays or particles: alpha and beta particles. It occurs naturally from the radioactive decay of natural radioactive substances but can also be produced artificially.

People can be exposed externally to radiation from a radioactive material or a generator such as an x-ray set or internally, by inhaling or ingesting radioactive substances.

Local rules for use of ionising radiation

The University has strict rules on the use of ionising radiation:

• Contents (.pdf)
• Status and scope (Jul 2012) (.pdf)
• Emergency and contingency plan (.pdf) (revised July 2017)
• Section 1 - regulatory aspects (Jul 2012) (.pdf)
• Section 2 - permits (Jun 2014) (.pdf)
• Section 3a - roles and responsibilities (Dec 2013) (.pdf)
• Section 3b - radiation workers (Jun 2013) (.pdf)
• Section 4 - schemes of work and prior risk assessment (Sep 2012) (.pdf)
• Section 5 - ordering radioisotopes, x-ray generators and instruments containing radioactive material (Nov 2012) (.pdf)
• Section 6 - record-keeping: use, accumulation and disposal (Oct 2012) (.pdf)
• Section 7 - laboratory procedures (Jun 2014) (.pdf)
• Section 8 - monitoring of radiation (Jul 2012) (.pdf)
• Section 9 - designation of radiation areas (Jun 2015) (.pdf)
• Glossary and bibliography (Jun 2014) (.pdf)

Appendices

• Appendix 1 - introduction to radiation (.pdf)
• Appendix 2 - radiation data (.pdf)
• Appendix 3 - legal dose limits (.pdf)
• Appendix 4 - dose estimation (.pdf)
• Appendix 5 - radiation protection advisers (.pdf)
• best available technique assessment (.pdf)

Last updated October 2012.

Forms

• Form 1 - workers registration (.doc)
• Form 2 - visiting workers registration (.doc)
• Form 3 - Training record (.doc)
• Form 4 - scheme of work application for approval (.doc) scheme of work application guidance (.pdf)
• Form 5 - record of accumulation and disposal form (.doc)
• Form 6 - isotope ordering and delivery (.doc)

Last updated October 2012.

Further information

• University of Essex best available technique assessment (.pdf) (Essex users only)
• Ionising radiation: processes and responsibilities (.pdf)
• Emergency and contingency plan (.pdf) (revised July 2017)
• Permit limits: EPR/YB3135DR (.pdf)
• Permit limits: EPR/YB3135DR (.pdf) (Essex users only)
• Public Health England advice on radiation

GE Healthcare isotope cards

• C-14 (.pdf)
• I-125 (.pdf)
• P-32 (.pdf)
• P-33 (.pdf)
• S-35 (.pdf)
• Tritium (.pdf)

AURPO guidance

• AURPO laboratory workers handbook (2011) (.pdf) (Essex users only)
• AURPO transport of radioactive materials by road - guidance notes (2010) (.pdf) (Essex users only)
• AURPO working with ionising radiations in research and teaching IRR99 - guidance notes (2010) (.pdf) (Essex users only)
• Guidance on examination, monitoring and calibration of monitors (2009) (.pdf) (Essex users only)
• Association of University Radiation Protection Officers

HSE guidance

• Guidance on ionising radiation
• Working with ionising radiation for expectant and breastfeeding mothers (.pdf)

Further information

• HPA advice on radiation
• HSE guidance on radiation