Changes to legislation relating to radiation protection will be taking place in 2018, including a new HSE notification process. All dental practices must re-register with HSE by 5th February 2018.
The Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) will replace IRR99 and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2018 (IRMER18) will replace IRMER 2000 and its later amendments. These new regulations reflect the EU Basic Safety Standards Directive 2013 (BSSD; also known as European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom).
*Note: Following Brexit, The Ionising Radiation (Basic Safety Standards) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2018 and amendments have replaced the EU Basic Safety Standards Directive 2013 (BSSD; European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom).
Both include changes relevant to the dental profession.
IRR17 has been published and will take effect from 1st January 2018. The most significant change for dental practices is the requirement to register with the HSE, with payment of a £25 registration fee. This applies to all practices working with ionising radiation, including those that have previously notified HSE that ionising radiation is used on their premises.
Registration begins on 1st January 2018 and practices must be registered by 5th February 2018.
Practices will only have to register once, unless relevant information changes significantly e.g. change of practice address.
Registration will take place online and will involve a series of questions to identify the level of risk associated with the use of ionising radiation (dental X-ray equipment is classified as medium risk) and to ensure all legal requirements have been addressed i.e. radiation risk assessment, appointment of an RPA.
Further details can be found at the HSE Ionising Radiation website.
Download the Guide to HSE registration for IRR17 (PDF).
IRMER18 is currently still in draft form but, once finalised, will become effective on 6 February 2018. It is expected that the changes relevant to dentistry will have only a minor impact on current practice and the PSM will provide an update when more details are available.
Your Radiation Protection Advisor should provide you with more information on the new regulations and support you in implementing any required changes.