The legal requirement for an RPA (Radiation Protection Adviser)

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 apply to all employers working with radiation, including dental x-ray sets within dental practices.  The regulations require the employer to appoint a “Radiation Protection Adviser” in order to provide them with expert advice.  The employer must ensure they are “suitable”, i.e. have the necessary experience and expertise to advise on the employer’s uses of radiation.

The RPA might be an employee of the organisation, but more commonly is an external consultant.  Competence to act as an RPA is assessed by the awarding body RPA2000 (recognised by the HSE), more information can be found here: https://www.rpa2000.org.uk/.

The full text of the Ionising Radiations Regulations and accompanying code of practice and guidance can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l121.htm