Every day in the UK, radiation types are used in a diverse range of industrial, medical, research and communications applications. Although these applications bring real benefits to people living in the UK, some can create potential harmful exposure risks that must be effectively controlled.
Ionising radiations occurs as either electromagnetic rays (such as X-rays and gamma rays) or particles (such as alpha and beta particles).
Non-ionising radiation (NIR) is the term used to describe the part of the electromagnetic spectrum covering two main regions, namely optical radiation (ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared) and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (power frequencies, microwaves and radio frequencies).
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the main public body which regulates work that causes or could cause radiation exposure of workers, the public or both.
HSE’s inspectors advise, inspect, investigate and enforce in a flexible and proportionate way so that radiation exposure of employees and others, arising from work activities, is adequately controlled.
This website contains extensive information and guidance. Use the options below to find the content right for you:
Social media
Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.
Follow HSE on Twitter:
Follow @H_S_E