What is this document?
INDG334 "Working safely with ionising radiation" is the HSE's guidance for employees who work with ionising radiation. It explains what ionising radiation is, the risks it presents, and what you and your employer must do to work safely.
The guidance covers the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) requirements that apply to workers exposed to radiation in their jobs.
Who needs to read this?
- Healthcare workers using X-rays, radiotherapy, or nuclear medicine
- Industrial workers in non-destructive testing, gauging, or nuclear industries
- Research scientists working with radioactive materials
- Veterinary staff using diagnostic imaging
- Security personnel operating X-ray screening equipment
- Dental professionals taking radiographs
- Anyone working with sealed or unsealed radioactive sources
Key points covered
What is ionising radiation?
Ionising radiation includes:
- X-rays used in medical and industrial settings
- Gamma rays from radioactive materials
- Alpha and beta particles
- Neutrons
These types of radiation can damage living cells and, at high doses, cause radiation sickness, cancer, or other serious health effects.
Understanding radiation risk
The guidance explains:
- How radiation dose is measured (in millisieverts, mSv)
- Legal dose limits for workers (20 mSv per year for classified workers)
- The principle of keeping doses As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)
- Why time, distance, and shielding are your main protections
Your employer's duties
Your employer must:
- Carry out a risk assessment for radiation work
- Appoint a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) where required
- Designate controlled and supervised areas where necessary
- Provide personal dosimeters if you're a classified worker
- Arrange health surveillance where appropriate
- Give you information, instruction, and training
Your responsibilities
As a worker, you must:
- Follow local rules and safe systems of work
- Wear your dosimeter correctly if provided
- Report any incidents or accidents involving radiation
- Tell your employer if you become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where unsealed sources are used
- Cooperate with radiation protection measures
How this applies to you
Before starting radiation work
Make sure you receive proper training before working with radiation. Understand the local rules that apply to your workplace and know who your Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) is.
During your work
- Keep exposure times as short as practicable
- Maintain maximum practicable distance from radiation sources
- Use shielding and protective equipment provided
- Wear your dosimeter if issued with one
- Follow contamination control procedures for unsealed sources
Special circumstances
If you become pregnant or are breastfeeding, inform your employer immediately. Additional restrictions apply to protect your baby, including a lower dose limit of 1 mSv during pregnancy.
If something goes wrong
Report any incident immediately, including:
- Suspected overexposure
- Loss or damage to a radioactive source
- Contamination of yourself or the workplace
- Equipment malfunctions during radiation work
Related Safety Clarity content
- Workplace Safety Requirements - General employer duties for health and safety
Source: This page summarises HSE guidance document INDG334. For the full official guidance, visit the HSE website.