Generic prior authorisation certificates issued for x-ray machines and accelerators

Regulation 5 of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) has, from 13 May 2000, placed a legal duty on radiation employers, to have written permission from HSE before carrying out specified operations. However, the overwhelming majority of employers should be able to meet all the conditions in the relevant generic authorisation (GA), in which case authorisation is automatic: the employer does not have to apply to the HSE, and no action is required by HSE. Employers will only need to apply to HSE for individual authorisation where these conditions cannot be met. An employer who believes that an individual authorisation under the Regulations is required, may wish to discuss the issue with the local HSE Inspector, who will advise. All applications for individual authorisations should be made to the local office.

The practices covered by Regulation 5 are:

• the use of accelerators (other than electron microscopes);
• the use of x ray machines for the following specific purposes:
  • industry radiography;
  • the processing of products;
  • research; or
  • x raying of patients for medical treatment.

HSE has published two GA certificates, covering certain uses of x-ray machines and accelerators (other than electron microscopes). The first certificate of generic authorisation covers the use of accelerators and the second covers the use of x ray machines. Both authorisations specify certain conditions which must be met before the GA will apply

• X-rays
• Accelerators