Under The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), training is not a “nice-to-have”—it is a legal mandate. Regulation 15 dictates that employers must ensure all staff involved with ionising radiation are fully equipped with the knowledge to work safely.
Crucially, this requirement extends beyond your radiation workers. Even those not directly involved in the work may require “proportionate” instruction to ensure they aren’t unnecessarily exposed.
The Three Pillars of Regulation 15
To satisfy the HSE, training must ensure that employees clearly understand:
- The Risks: The specific health risks associated with their radiation exposure.
- The Procedures: General and specific protection measures, including “Local Rules.”
- The Requirements: The importance of complying with the medical, technical, and administrative rules set out in IRR17.
Employee Responsibility: Compliance is a two-way street. While the employer must provide the training, employees have a legal duty to co-operate, follow the training provided, and adhere to safety protocols.
Enhanced Requirements for High Activity Sealed Sources (HASS)
f your site utilises HASS, the training requirements become significantly more stringent. Because the loss of control over a high-activity source can have devastating consequences, training must include:
- Emergency Preparedness: Specific procedures for accidents, fires, or the loss/theft of a source.
- Maintenance Skills: Instruction for those performing leak tests and integrity checks.
- Risk Awareness: Detailed information on the physical effects of touching or picking up a damaged HASS.
- Scenario Learning: The HSE recommends using past accident or theft scenarios to highlight the real-world risks of losing source control.
When Should You Refresh Training?
Knowledge fades, and regulations evolve. The HSE adopts a risk-based approach to refresher training, but they have recently clarified their specific expectations for different roles:
HSE Recommended Refresher Intervals
| Employee Role | Type of Training | Frequency |
| Direct Workers (e.g., Radiographers) | Comprehensive Refresher | Every 3 Years |
| Ancillary Staff (On-site but not involved) | General Awareness | Every 5 Years |
How to Build a Competent Workforce
Training should never be a “tick-box” exercise. It must be tailored to the specific needs of your employees and the results of your General Risk Assessment.
Whether your team needs a deep dive into industrial radiography or a simple awareness session for office staff working near controlled areas, the delivery method (online or in-person) should be engaging and technically accurate.
Expert Training with HTSL Group
HTSL Group provides a comprehensive suite of radiation protection training courses designed to meet the rigorous standards of Regulation 15. Our courses are led by experienced RPAs and can be delivered:
- In-Person: Hands-on, site-specific training.
- Online: Flexible, high-quality modules for remote or distributed teams.
From Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) certification to general staff awareness, we ensure your team is competent, confident, and compliant.
Invest in your team’s safety. View our Radiation Protection Training Courses
