Businesses that work with ionising radiation are responsible for ensuring that this is done safely, so that employees and members of the public are protected from exposure to ionising radiation. The ANVS supports companies by providing guidance documents that explain the legal requirements and offer practical advice. Our latest guidance is intended for companies carrying out activities involving ionising radiation that require a licence.
In the NDT sector, as well as veterinary practices
This applies, for example, to the non-destructive testing (NDT) sector, where inspections such as the examination of welds are performed. It also applies to the oil and gas industry, the production of radioactive pharmaceuticals, and veterinary practices that use radiation equipment at different locations.
Strict rules for working with ionising radiation
Strict rules govern work involving ionising radiation. Ionising radiation can damage both tissue and DNA. Businesses must therefore comply with stringent requirements and obtain an authorisation (either a registration or a licence) from the ANVS. Our new document, Guidance on Supervision by the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) for Licensed Applications of Ionising Radiation (in Dutch) describes the practical options available to companies for implementing risk-based supervision by the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) of licensed activities.
Organising internal supervision according to risk
Companies rely on their own radiation protection specialists, such as a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) and a Radiation Protection Expert (RPE). Our guidance describes the roles and responsibilities of these professionals in supervising work involving ionising radiation at one or more sites. The greater the risk of exposure to ionising radiation, the higher the level of expertise required for internal supervision.
Where the risk is very high, the specialist must be present on the work floor to provide direct supervision. Where the risk is relatively low, supervision may also be carried out remotely. In such cases, additional competence requirements apply to the RPS. Further information is available in the guidance document on our website.
Involvement of ministries and inspectorates
The following organisations contributed to the preparation of this guidance: the Ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), together with the inspectorates of the ANVS, the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), and the Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA).