Questions & Answers

摘要

Q Does use of x-ray equipment in the food industry have to be notified to HSE? A To comply with the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (IRR99), food manufacturers who use x-ray contaminant detection and inspection equipment were required to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), giving only basic registration details. In an attempt to control risk more effectively, the new Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) - in force from January 1, 2018 - require employers to apply to HSE for work they do with ionising radiation under a 'graded' approach. The application is either to notify, register or apply for consent for work to be done. Usage is divided into low, medium and high risk depending on the likelihood and level of exposure. Low risk work requires notification, medium risk work must be registered, and consent must be applied for to authorise high risk work. Food quality inspection would usually come under medium risk and require registration, but this will need to be assessed based on the equipment used, the environment and exposure levels.