Revised requirements for radiological protection: emergency preparedness and response
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We will take steps to build on our already robust radiological emergency preparedness and response arrangements by:
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Regulations:
replacing the REPPIR 2001 regulations and updating the CDG regulations. The draft regulations published alongside the government response are, subject to minor drafting amendments, the regulations we intend to take forward to deliver the policy conclusions set out in the government response
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Definitions:
introducing new definitions, including of ‘radiation emergency’ and ‘emergency worker’
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Consistent approach to assessing the full range of risks:
creating a standardised approach for sites to assess the full range of risks from a radiation emergency
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Commensurate approach to emergency planning:
introducing the need for commensurate emergency planning, including the concept of outline planning zones based on default outline planning zones for civil nuclear sites
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Planning:
placing the duty on operators to provide information to local authorities on the consequences of an emergency from a site and giving local authorities the duty to develop and own offsite emergency planning arrangements
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National reference level:
this new concept sets a guideline for the level of radiation exposure over a year that emergency plans should aim keep below in the extremely unlikely event of a radiation emergency. It is therefore a tool to use in emergency response planning
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Stable iodine:
introducing flexibility so that stable iodine could be lawfully obtained and distributed in an emergency, without supervision from a pharmacist
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Coordinated planning:
strengthening the role of the lead local authority, and duties of cooperation
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Transport:
removing references to transport from REPPIR and update CDGs to implement the requirements of the BSSD 2013, including through the addition of equivalent definitions of radiation emergency, emergency workers and a national reference level. Changing the approach and duties for prior information, giving responsibility to the Office for Nuclear Regulation and local authorities to publish and prepare information
Detail of feedback received
We received 71 responses to the consultation from a range of stakeholders, including:
- local authorities
- industry
- members of the public
- defence
- academic institutions
- government agencies
- professional bodies
- emergency services
We held discussions and attended briefings and events with many of those that responded, as well as with other government bodies such as regulators.
Original consultation
Consultation description
This consultation is relevant to those working with radiological material, in particular where an emergency as a result of that work might have an impact on the public.
Emergency planners working in local authorities will also have an interest in the topics on which we are consulting.
This is a joint consultation between BEIS, HSE and MOD.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 5 October 2017Last updated 22 October 2018 + show all updates
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Govt response published
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First published.