Radiation Protection Advisers
Expert UK-based Radiation Protection Advisers providing IRR17 compliance and RPS training for the medical, industrial, and nuclear sectors.
- Expert Advisers
- UK Nationwide Coverage
- 25+ Years of Experience
Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) & IRR17 Compliance Services
Our qualified radiation protection advisors deliver expert services across all sectors, ensuring complete IRR17 compliance and workplace safety.
Our Expert Radiation Protection Advisor
Led by Nick Hutchinson, our team of radiation protection advisors brings unparalleled expertise and commitment to your safety.
As an accredited Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) with over 25 years of industry experience, I am a Chartered Radiation Protection Professional (CRadP) and a full member of the Society for Radiological Protection.
• MSc Environmental Biogeochemistry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
• BSc (Hons) Biology University of Portsmouth.
• Certificate of Competence: awarded by RPA2000 to be a Radiation Protection Adviser
• Certificate of Recognition: awarded by UK RWA Approval Board to be a Radiation Waste Adviser
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Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17)
- Incident Investigation
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Nuclear Facility Support
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Radiation Safety Audit
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Radiological Risk Assessment
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Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA)
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X-Ray Compliance
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Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) Training
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ALARP Practices
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Radiation safety for non-destructive testing (NDT)
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Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Materials
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Radiation protection for decommissioning projects
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Oil and gas radiation safety adviser
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HSE Support
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Environmental Permits (EPR24)
Legal Requirement For A Radiation Protection Adviser
Under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), every employer working with ionising radiation must appoint a certified RPA.
ALARP Compliance
Expert advice on setting dose limits and ensuring exposures remain as low as reasonably practicable.
RPS Training Courses
Technical guidance on training requirements and the formal appointment of Radiation Protection Supervisors.
Incident Response
Investigation of overexposures, equipment failures, and accidents involving radiation.
Controlled Areas
Formal assessment of workplaces to correctly define and review controlled or supervised radiation areas.
Failure to appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser can result in significant unlimited fines, criminal prosecution, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforcement notices that halt your operations.
RPA Services Across All Sectors
Our radiation protection advisors provide specialised expertise tailored to your industry’s unique regulatory requirements and operational challenges.
RPA Services for Medical & Healthcare
Expert Radiation Safety for Hospitals, Clinics, and Medical Research
In the complex landscape of healthcare, ensuring the safety of patients and staff while maintaining strict regulatory compliance is paramount. Our team of accredited Radiation Protection Advisors (RPAs) provide end-to-end consultancy tailored specifically to the medical sector.
- Appointed RPA Support
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Radiation Risk Assessments
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Regulatory Compliance Audits
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Controlled Area Design & Shielding
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Personal Dosimetry Management
- Equipment Quality Assurance
- IR(ME)R Procedure Development
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RPS Training for the Medical Industry
RPA Services for the Nuclear Industry
Strategic Radiation Protection Consultancy for Nuclear New Build, Generation, and Decommissioning
Our team of accredited Radiation Protection Advisors (RPAs) and Radioactive Waste Advisers (RWAs) provide mission-critical support across the nuclear lifecycle. From Tier 1 site operations to complex decommissioning projects, we ensure your activities remain fully compliant with IRR17 and REPPIR regulations while maintaining ALARP principles.
- Appointed RPA Support
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Radiation Risk Assessments
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Nuclear Site License Compliance
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ALARP Assessment & Documentation
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Decommissioning & Waste Management Strategy
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Environmental Permitting support (EPR2016)
- Emergency Preparedness & Response Planning
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RPS Training for the Nuclear Industry
RPA Services for the Oil & Gas Sector
Expert Radiation Safety Solutions for Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream Operations
Our Radiation Protection Advisors (RPAs) provide comprehensive technical support to ensure your assets remain safe and compliant. We specialise in onshore and offshore safety audits, contaminated equipment management, and ensuring your workforce is protected under IRR17 and EPR2016 regulations.
- Appointed RPA Support
- NORM Characterisation & Management
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Offshore Radiation Safety Audits
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Environmental Permitting support (EPR2016)
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Transport of Radioactive Materials
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Radiological Environmental Impact Assessments
- Contaminated Asset Decontamination Advice
- Nucleonic Gauge Installation & Source Leak Testing
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RPS Training
RPA Services for Laboratory & Education Sectors
Specialist Radiation Protection for Universities, Schools, and Commercial Research Laboratories
Our Radiation Protection Advisors (RPAs) help educational institutions and R&D labs navigate the complexities of IRR17 and environmental permits. We ensure that your “controlled areas” are managed effectively, your researchers are expertly trained, and your institutional risk is minimised through robust safety management systems.
- Appointed RPA Support
- Emergency Spillage & Contamination Procedures
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RPS Training
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Radiation Safety Audits
- Unsealed Source Accountancy & Disposal Advice
- Design & Commissioning of New Research Labs
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Environmental Permit Compliance (EPR2016)
- Student & Staff Dose Assessment Programs
RPA Services for the Veterinary Sector
Specialist Radiation Safety for Small Animal, Equine, and Large Animal Veterinary Practices
Our Radiation Protection Advisors (RPAs) specialise in the veterinary sector, providing practical, common-sense advice that ensures full compliance with IRR17. We help you manage the unique challenges of animal restraint during exposure, provide expert shielding design for new suites, and ensure your Local Rules are tailored to a busy clinical environment.
- Appointed RPA Support
- Emergency Spillage & Contamination Procedures
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RPS Training for Vets
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Radiation Safety Audits
- Unsealed Source Accountancy & Disposal Advice
- Design & Commissioning of New Research Labs
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Environmental Permit Compliance (EPR2016)
- Student & Staff Dose Assessment Programs
RPA Services for the Dentistry Industry
Specialist Radiation Protection for General Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Endodontics
Whether you are using intra-oral X-rays, OPGs, or Dental CBCT, you are legally required to appoint a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA). We provide a streamlined, hassle-free service designed to meet IRR17 and IR(ME)R17 standards. From initial room shielding design to your annual safety audit and Employer’s Procedures review, we ensure your practice remains fully compliant and “inspection-ready” at all times.
- Appointed RPA Support
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RPS Training for Dentists
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Hand-held X-ray Device Safety Assessments
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Annual RPA Audit & Compliance Check
- Routine Quality Assurance (QA) Testing
- IR(ME)R17 Training & Employer's Procedures
- Dental CBCT & OPG Critical Examinations
- Shielding Design for New Surgerys
RPA Services for the Aviation Industry
Specialist Radiation Protection for Commercial Aviation, MRO, and Space Systems
We provide a comprehensive, industry-aligned service designed to exceed IRR17 and international aviation safety standards. From NDT bay shielding design to annual compliance audits and crew exposure monitoring, we ensure your facility and flight operations remain fully compliant and “audit-ready” for regulatory inspections.
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RPS Training for Aerospace
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NDT Safety Assessments
- Annual Compliance Audits & QA
- Appointed RPA Support
- Crew Exposure Management
- Shielding Design for Radiography Bays
- Equipment Critical Examinations
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Environmental Radioactive Waste Advice (RWA)
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Radioactive Material Transport
RPA Services for the Security Industry
Specialist Compliance for Security, Customs, and Critical Infrastructure
We provide expert Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) services specifically tailored for the high-pressure security environment. Our mission is to keep your screening lanes compliant with IRR17 and international safety standards, ensuring your technology remains a tool for protection without becoming a safety liability.
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Appointed RPA for the Security Industry
- Public Exposure Monitoring
- Examination of New Installations
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RPS Training for the Security Industry
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Mobile & Deployable X-ray Support
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Radiation Emergency Action Plans (REAP)
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Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR17) Compliance
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ALARP Principle Implementation
Our radiation protection advisors serve all industries requiring RPA services.
Radiation Protection Supervisor Training
Strategic Radiation Protection Consultancy for Nuclear New Build, Generation, and Decommissioning
Our radiation protection advisors provide specialised expertise tailored to your industry’s unique regulatory requirements and operational challenges.
When is it a legal requirement to appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)?
Under Regulation 14 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), most employers working with ionising radiation must consult a suitable RPA to advise on regulatory compliance (Legislation.gov.uk, 2017b). This is not just a recommendation; it is a statutory duty if your work meets specific criteria, such as:
- Establishing Controlled or Supervised Areas.
- Prior examination of plans for new installations or modifications to radiation equipment.
- Regular calibration of monitoring equipment and periodic testing of safety systems.
- Conducting formal investigations into unplanned exposures or “near misses.”
Explicitly states that every employer who carries out work with ionising radiation must consult one or more suitable RPAs.
Employers must consult their RPA when defining the training needs for those working in controlled or supervised areas.
Failure to appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser can result in significant unlimited fines, criminal prosecution, and HSE enforcement notices that halt your operations.
Does my business need to notify, register, or get a consent from the HSE?
IRR17 introduced a three-tier risk-based approach for informing the HSE about radiation work. You must complete this via the HSE online portal before work commences (Legislation.gov.uk, 2017b):
What is the legal role of a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)?
While an RPA is an external or internal expert consultant, the RPS is typically an employee who ensures day-to-day compliance with the “Local Rules” (British Cardiovascular Society, 2024). Legally, the RPS does not need to be a radiation expert, but they must:
Understand the requirements of IRR17 and the Local Rules.
Command sufficient authority to stop work if safety is compromised.
Supervise the implementation of safety arrangements in the workplace
What are the statutory radiation dose limits for employees in the UK?
The law sets strict limits on the amount of radiation a person can receive in a calendar year to prevent deterministic and stochastic health effects. Under Schedule 3 of IRR17, the limits are:
20 mSv per year (effective dose)
6 mSv per year
1 mSv per year
What documentation is legally required for a radiation inspection?
If an inspector from the HSE or CQC visits, they will expect to see a “Radiation Protection File.” This is the cornerstone of your legal defense and should include:
Radiation Risk Assessments: Detailing potential hazards and control measures.
Local Rules: Written instructions specific to your workplace.
RPA Appointment Letter: Proof of your formal consultation with an expert.
Training Records: Evidence that all staff have received “adequate training” (Legislation.gov.uk, 2017a).
Equipment Testing: Records of the most recent critical examinations and routine maintenance.
Do dental practices need a Radiation Protection Adviser for routine X-rays?
Yes. Under IRR17, any employer using electrical equipment intended to produce X-rays (including intra-oral, pano, and CBCT) must consult an RPA. While dental X-rays are lower dose, the legal requirement for “Prior Consultation” on shielding and safety remains.
Failure to appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser can result in significant unlimited fines, criminal prosecution, and HSE enforcement notices that halt your operations.
Is an Radiation Protection Adviser mandatory for veterinary practices?
Yes. Under Regulation 14 of IRR17, almost all veterinary practices using diagnostic X-ray equipment must consult and formally appoint an RPA.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) considers the use of X-rays in a clinical setting to be a practice that requires expert oversight to ensure that staff, clients, and the public are not exposed to unnecessary radiation.
In a veterinary setting, your RPA is not just a “box-ticking” exercise; they provide the technical expertise required to keep your practice legal. Their core duties include:
Prior Risk Assessment: Helping the practice identify potential hazards before X-ray work begins.
Design and Shielding: Advising on the layout of your X-ray room, including lead lining in walls or the use of protective screens.
Local Rules: Assisting in the drafting of “Local Rules”—the mandatory document that dictates how X-rays are safely managed on-site.
Equipment Testing: Ensuring your X-ray generators are functioning correctly and that safety interlocks or warning lights are compliant.
Contingency Planning: Advice on what to do if an X-ray set “sticks on” or if there is an accidental exposure.
Do industrial NDT companies need both an RPA and a Radiation Waste Adviser (RWA)?
If your Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) involves sealed radioactive sources (like Iridium-192), you likely need an RPA for safety and an RWA for the environmental permits regarding the storage and disposal of those sources.
The requirement for a Radiation Waste Adviser (RWA) falls under environmental legislation (Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 in England/Wales or EASR 2018 in Scotland).
An RWA is required if your company holds a Permit (or Authorisation) for the “accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste.”
Feature |
Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) |
Radiation Waste Adviser (RWA) |
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Primary Legislation
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IRR17 (Health & Safety)
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EPR16 / EASR18 (Environment)
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Primary Concern
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Human health and dose limit safety.
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Management of radioactive material and waste.
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Required for X-ray?
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Yes
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No
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Required for Gamma?
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Yes
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Yes (to comply with permit conditions)
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Key Document
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Local Rules & Risk Assessments
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Waste Management Plan & Source Records
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Need More Detailed Guidance?
Our expert RPA team provides dedicated guidance and tailored solutions to ensure all your radiation protection and compliance needs are met with ease.
What is the difference between a "Controlled Area" and a "Supervised Area"?
Controlled areas are strictly regulated zones for high-dose radiation work (exceeding 6 mSv annually). Supervised areas are designated for lower-risk activities where radiation levels are kept under review to maintain worker safety.”
A Controlled Area is a zone where specific manual procedures and strict physical controls are necessary to prevent or limit significant exposure.
The “6 mSv” Trigger: An area must be designated as controlled if any person working there is likely to receive an effective dose exceeding 6 mSv per year (or specific limits for the lens of the eye, skin, and extremities).
Operational Triggers: It is also designated if the dose rate exceeds certain levels (typically 7.5 µSv/h averaged over the working day) or if there is a significant risk of spreading radioactive contamination.
- Physical Boundaries
- Warning Signage
- Written Local Rules
- Radiation Protection Supervisor Oversight
A Supervised Area is a monitored buffer zone where radiation levels exceed public limits but remain below the threshold for strict containment. It ensures safety standards are maintained as workloads evolve.
The “1 mSv” Trigger: Mandatory designation if a person is likely to exceed 1 mSv per year, or 1/10th of the dose limit for the lens of the eye or skin.
Purpose: To provide systematic review and confirm that shielding in adjacent Controlled Areas remains effective against changing radiation levels.
- Monitoring
- Signage
- Review
- Written Local Rules
How often should radiation monitoring badges (dosimetry) be reviewed?
Radiation monitoring badges (dosimeters) should be reviewed on two distinct timelines to ensure both immediate safety and long-term compliance. In the UK, these requirements are governed by the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17).
Legally, dose reports must be reviewed by the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) as soon as they arrive from the dosimetry service.
Frequency: This matches your “wear period” (usually monthly or quarterly).
The Goal: To identify immediate issues. The RPS checks for any “spikes” or unexpected readings that exceed local investigation levels.
Action Required: If a report shows an unusually high dose, the RPS must investigate immediately to determine if there was a practice error, equipment fault, or if the badge was simply left in an X-ray room by mistake.
Your Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) should perform a formal review of all dose records at least once a year.
The Goal: To identify “dose trends” that a monthly check might miss.
Strategic Analysis: While an individual might stay under the legal limit each month, the RPA looks for a “slow creep” (e.g., doses increasing by 10% year-on-year).
ALARP Compliance: The RPA ensures doses remain As Low As Reasonably Practicable. They compare your facility’s averages against national benchmarks to ensure your shielding and protocols are still optimal.
Need More Detailed Guidance?
Our expert RPA team provides dedicated guidance and tailored solutions to ensure all your radiation protection and compliance needs are met with ease.
What is the typical cost of an RPA service contract in the UK?
When budgeting for an RPA, it is important to understand that the pricing structure is designed to reflect the level of risk and the volume of equipment at your facility. The distinction between ongoing compliance and one-off technical tasks is central to how UK consultancies bill their services.
Retainer Model: An annual fee covering statutory advice, Local Rules review, and phone support (Ideal for Dentists/Vets).
Project-Based: One-off fees for shielding calculations, new room designs, or emergency incident investigations.
Can I appoint one RPA to cover multiple business locations?
Yes, you can appoint one Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) to cover multiple business locations. This is common for dental groups, veterinary chains, and industrial companies with several sites.
Under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), the legal requirement is to appoint a “suitable” RPA. As long as the RPA is competent in your specific field and has the capacity to support all locations, a single appointment is perfectly acceptable.
However, there are three critical factors you must address to ensure this arrangement remains legally compliant:
1. The Appointment Letter Must List All Sites
Your formal Letter of Appointment must be explicit. It shouldn’t just name the company; it should list the specific addresses of the premises covered.
2. You Still Need Local Supervision (RPS)
While you can share one RPA across multiple sites, you generally cannot share one RPS (Radiation Protection Supervisor).
- The RPS must be someone “on the spot” to supervise the work daily.
- Requirement: You typically need at least one trained RPS at each physical location where X-rays or radioactive sources are used to ensure the Local Rules are followed.
How do I legally transition from my current RPA to a new provider?
Legally transitioning from one Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) to another is a straightforward process, but because it is a statutory requirement under Regulation 14 of IRR17, you must ensure there is no “gap” in your coverage.
1. Formal Termination of the Current RPA
Your legal obligation is to have a “suitable RPA appointed in writing.” To end the current arrangement:
- Notice Period: Check your existing contract for the notice period (typically 30–90 days).
- Written Notice: Send a formal letter or email terminating the appointment.
- Record Keeping: Keep a copy of this termination notice in your Radiation Protection File. You must be able to prove to an HSE inspector exactly when the old appointment ended.
2. The New Letter of Appointment
Under Regulation 14(2), the appointment must be in writing. A verbal agreement or a paid invoice is not legally sufficient. The new letter must include:
- The Scope of Advice: Exactly what they are advising you on (e.g., shielding, dose reports, risk assessments).
- The Premises: A clear list of all sites they are responsible for.
- The Duration: Whether it is an ongoing appointment or for a fixed term (e.g., 3 years).
3. Update Your Statutory Documents
Once the new RPA is appointed, you must update your internal safety documentation immediately:
- Local Rules: Your Local Rules must name your current RPA. You need to update the contact details and name of the adviser in this document.
- Risk Assessments: While you don’t necessarily need to redo every assessment, your new RPA should review them to ensure they are happy to “sign off” on the existing safety controls.
- Staff Notification: Inform your Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) and relevant staff that the adviser has changed and provide the new contact details for emergency advice.
Get proactive advice from the UK’s leading experts, starting exactly when you need us.
Need More Detailed Guidance?
Our expert RPA team provides dedicated guidance and tailored solutions to ensure all your radiation protection and compliance needs are met with ease.
Need More Detailed Guidance?
Our expert RPA team provides dedicated guidance and tailored solutions to ensure all your radiation protection and compliance needs are met with ease.
Get expert RPA guidance for your organisation. Speak with our radiation protection specialists today.
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rpa@htsl.co.uk
07761 203342
Download IRR17 Guideline
Complete guide to the Ionising Radiation Regulations
