Health and Safety Executive

Health and Safety Executive

Radon - BSS Directive -

HSE Proposals

Rob Wellens

OEWG Meeting 11 November 2014

Topics covered

• There are four areas of proposed change:– Separate dose recording– Introduction of a “time integrated radon

exposure value”– Annual average, not a 24 hr

measurement– When to notify HSE

RN1. Time integrated radon exposure value (TIREV)

What is TIREV?

• BSSD introduces the concept of TIREV for workplaces above 300Bq m-3

• Equivalent of 6mSv effective dose

• An easy calculation for dutyholders to see whether their measurement equates to 6mSv

• Not envisaged as a regulatory requirement– An aid for dutyholders

RN1. Time integrated radon exposure value (TIREV) (2)

Current requirement

• None

BSS requirement

• Article 35.2 allows for the use of a TIREV

RN1. Time integrated radon exposure value (TIREV) (3)

HSE Proposal

• To introduce a TIREV

Preliminary estimated impact

• Familiarisation costs

RN2. Separate Dose Recording

Current requirement

• IRR99 requires an individual dose record, but does not require that radon doses be recorded separately on that dose record.

BSS requirement

• Article 43.4 requires an individual dose record records occupational radon doses separately

RN2. Separate Dose Recording (2)

HSE Proposal

• To require separate dose recording

Preliminary estimated impact

• Any ADS approved to record radon doses would need to be able to demonstrate how the radon doses are recorded separately

• HSE is looking to work with these ADSs to establish the costs involved

RN3. Annual Average

Current requirement

• IRR99 sets a level of 400Bq m-3 in a 24 hour period

BSS requirement

• Article 54.1 sets a level of 300Bq m-3 as an annual average

RN3. Annual Average (2)

HSE Proposal

• To use an annual average

• HSE estimates that IRR99 level equates to ~270Bq m-3 annual average

• Radon is a chronic exposure issue, so annual average makes more sense

RN3. Annual Average (3)

Preliminary estimated impact

• Easier to understand and use

• A very small number of dutyholders may come out of scope

• Some familiarisation costs

RN4. Notification

Current requirement

• IRR99 requires HSE to be notified if levels above 400Bq m-3 in a 24 hour period are measured

BSS requirement

• Article 54.3 requires notification if dutyholders cannot remediate below an annual average of 300Bq m-3

RN4. Notification (2)

HSE Proposal

• To require notification after remediation

• To make radon risk assessment and measurement requirements explicit

RN4. Notification (3)

Preliminary estimated impact

• Smaller number of notifications to HSE

• Greater clarity for dutyholders regarding regulatory requirements

• Neutral effect on measurement and remediation, as this has always been required

• Some familiarisation costs

Questions / Comments?

• To re-emphasise– These are HSE’s preliminary proposals

on how to implement the BSSD (radon requirements)

• Do you have any questions / comments on the preliminary proposals

Involvement - Joining the Radiation Community of Interest

• If you want to be invited to join, please contact -

radiation.policy.team@hse.gsi.gov.uk