Using ionising radiation

Apply to notify, register or get consent

1. Who must apply
2. What to apply for
3. How to apply
4. Fees and payment
5. Report a change
6. Contact us

1. Who must apply

Overview

Under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017, employers must apply to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before they start certain new work with ionising radiation.

This is known as the ‘graded approach’ as what you apply for depends on the size and likelihood of exposure.

Depending on the level of risk of the ionising radiation work you do you may need to apply to:

• notify
• register
• get consent

The application can be submitted by an authorised employee. It can’t be submitted by a third party but they can advise you on your application.

Work included

This applies to all employers working with ionising radiation including those who work with:

• radioactive material:
  • artificial radionuclides and naturally occurring radionuclides which are processed for their radioactive, fissile or fertile properties
  • naturally occurring radionuclides which are not processed for their radioactive, fissile or fertile properties
• radiation generators, such as X-ray devices
• work in an atmosphere containing radon above an annual average concentration of 300Bq m^-3

When you don't need to apply

If you wish to carry out work with ionising radiation on nuclear premises you must notify, register or get consent from the Office for Nuclear Regulation, not HSE.

You don’t need to notify, register or get consent for work with:

• artificial or naturally occurring radionuclides that are:
  • at the very low end of specific concentration levels
  • below specific quantity levels
• sealed sources that are type approved by HSE and below low dose rates
• electrical apparatus that is type approved by HSE and below low dose rates
• any cathode ray tube or other device operating at a voltage at 30kV or below, and below low dose rates
• contaminated material that the appropriate environment agency has declared not to be subject to further control

You can find out more about dose rates and work you don’t need to submit in Schedule 1 of the draft Approved Code of Practice and guidance.