New Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019

The HSE has recently consulted on a proposed Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to provide statutory guidance on the new Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR) which came into force on 22 May 2019. The regulations repeal and replace the previous REPPIR 2001 as part of transposing the emergency preparedness and response requirements of the European Basic Safety Standard Directive. The current REPPIR 2001 is supported by guidance — there is no current ACOP.

The regulations set out a framework of emergency preparedness measures to ensure that members of the public are properly informed and prepared, in advance, about what to do in the unlikely event of a radiation emergency occurring and provided with information if a radiation emergency occurs. They impose duties on operators and people who transport radioactive substances through public places, local authorities and operator and emergency services employers. More information about the consultation, which closed in June 2019 can be found on the ONR website.