Please look out for the calling note for comments – or just keep an eye on the ONR website page ONR - International Atomic Energy Agency draft documents consultation . SRP is on the list of consultees for these
Revised IRR17 Regulation 7 : Consent application and assessment process . After feedback from the IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Service ( IRRS ) Mission to the UK in 2019 , the HSE and ONR are developing a new Consent application and assessment process under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 . This will align with the graded approach in international standards . The new process will involve the submission of an application for Consent by duty holders , potentially through a newly developed digital platform , which will require a “ Safety Assessment ” ( not a safety case ) that clearly demonstrates the applicant ' s compliance with IRR17 requirements . Applications will be individually assessed by the relevant authority ( ONR or HSE ) and costs for Consent will certainly increase ( currently an administration only £ 25 ). All IRR17 Consents already granted under existing arrangements will be reassessed over a period following introduction of the revised process for new applications . The process for IRR17 Regulation 6 Registrations will not change , although the application process may utilise the digital platform being developed for Consent applications .
Legislation Quick Guide – JOPIR 2004 The Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations 2004
Background Practices involving ionising radiation ( nuclear power stations , industrial and medical ) must be approved so that the benefit outweighs the hazard .
What is the aim of this legislation ? Justification involves weighing the overall benefits against the harm likely to be caused . New types of practice need to be justified in advance . Existing practices ( those which were undertaken before 13 May 2000 ) may be reviewed to see if they are justified or not whenever new evidence about their efficacy is acquired . The regulations also prohibit the addition of radioactive materials to certain goods , and the import or export of these goods .
How is it regulated ? The Justifying Authority ( Secretary of State , Scottish or Welsh Ministers or Northern Ireland department ) gives notice of any contraventions to regulators including HSE , ONR , and , in the case of practices involving radioactive substances , the UK Environment Agencies ( EA , NRW , SEPA and NIEA ).
Who needs to comply with JOPIR2004 ? Everybody undertaking practices involving ionising radiation . A key point is that it is the practice that is justified not the equipment – if the equipment is used for a different practice , you need to apply for the new use .
Where can I find more information ? JOPIR2004 ( with amendments ) are available at www . legislation . gov . uk / uksi / 2004 / 1769 . BEIS has also published guidance on the application of JOPIR2004 at www . gov . uk / government / publications / justi fication-of-practices-involving-ionisingradiation-application-register
32 Radiation Protection Today www . srp-rpt . uk