Public Resources
Sector Guidance
Working with Ionising Radiation - Helpful Guidance Leaflets and Checklists
The transport of civil Class 7 dangerous goods (radioactive material) by road, rail and inland waterways is regulated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The dutyholder is legally responsible for all aspects of transport. See our NEW summary leaflet for helpful guidance (including our flowchart).
Radiation is commonly used in the food and drinks industry. X-ray systems are useful for inspecting food products before, during or after packaging. Gauges use a small radioactive source or an X-ray beam to check that cans or bottles are correctly filled and larger gauging systems may use radioactive sources to monitor the flow of raw ingredients through a processing plant. See our NEW summary leaflet where we answer questions on radiation safety in the food and drinks industry and provide a helpful checklist for you to discuss with your appointed Radiation Protection Adviser.
Industrial radiography is a method of non-destructive testing used to look for defects in a structure or pressuring retaining ability of certain manufactured components and structures. As it is a high risk activity, it is vital that those commissioning contractors fully understand their responsibilities regarding the safety of their employees and others. Our guidance leaflet explains more. It includes a helpful checklist. SRP is running an event on 18th April in Manchester on this topic. See the detailed programme and book on here.
When items are too large to be transported, or in-situ components such as pipeworks need to be radiographed, then the radioactive source and/or X-ray set must be taken to the the site for testing and this is known as 'site radiography'. SRP together with the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing has produced a guidance leaflet with a checklist.
Over recent years, handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry equipment has become increasingly popular for “in field” analysis of a wide range of materials in alloy analysis, scrap metal dealing, archaeology, the precious metals industry and even the toy industry. Originally, portable XRF units utilised a sealed radioactive source, but these have been replaced with battery-powered x-ray generators. Such X-ray equipment is capable of producing high levels of radiation and this guidance (update available shortly) has been produced to identify the potential risks and the appropriate safety requirements to ensure safe use.
Contacting specialist advisers: Radiation Protection Advisers, Radioactive Waste Advisers, Laser Protection Advisers
This sector guidance is provided by SRP's Non Nuclear Industries Committee. Please get in touch if you wish to suggest other guidance leaflets or provide comment on those detailed above.