HSE statement on RPAs and RPA 2000 launched

Abstract

HSE statement on RPAs The new IRR99 regulations require radiation employers to consult with and appoint `suitable' Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs) in specific circumstances. The HSE statement specifies the criteria of competence to be met by RPAs and is available on the SRP website via Services. An individual must either hold a valid certificate of core competence from an Assessing Body recognised by them or hold a level 4 N/SVQ in Radiation Protection Practice issued not more than five years previously. However, IRR99 provides that an individual appointed by an employer as an RPA under IRR85 shall be deemed to meet the criteria of competence until 31 December 2004. RPA 2000 launched SRP is delighted to confirm that RPA 2000 was approved by the HSE as an Assessing Body under the new Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR99) on 30 March 2000. RPA 2000, set up as a limited company by SRP, IPEM, IRP and AURPO, will, as an HSE approved Assessing Body, examine the competence of those wishing to practice as RPAs and, where appropriate, issue a certificate to the effect that they meet the Criteria of Competence for RPAs specified by HSE. The holding of a valid certificate from RPA 2000 does not, of itself, make the holder a suitable RPA for a particular employer as required by the IRR99. The determination of suitability for any specific appointment is the responsibility of the employer appointing an RPA. RPA 2000 will also examine the competence of those practising and/or advising on radiation protection in specialist topic areas of ionising radiation control (e.g. personal monitoring, environmental control, instrument testing, etc) and the use of non-ionising radiation (e.g. lasers, ultrasound, etc). In such situations a separate certificate will be issued specifying that particular specialisation. Certification is intended for members of the participating societies; however, it is also open to non-members practising radiation protection in the UK. A certificate will only be awarded to persons who have demonstrated that they have reached the appropriate level of competence in radiation protection practice and have maintained that competence to an appropriate standard. The certificate will be valid for five years, before the end of which time the holder is required to apply for its renewal. Renewals run consecutively from the date of expiry of the previous certificate. Application forms and guidance notes are now available - print directly from the website: www.srp-uk.org/rpa2000.html, or contact RPA 2000 (c/o SRP Admin Office) for hard copies by post.