Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive material: Draft for Consultation

Overview

The Radiation Safety Act 2016 came fully into force on 7 March 2017. The Act is administered by the Ministry of Health’s Office of Radiation Safety.

The Act sets out high-level safety and security obligations in sections 9–12. There are many different types of radiation use and the requirements are often very technical. The Act therefore authorises the issuing of codes of practice to set out more detailed requirements relating to individual areas of practice. This code relates to the security of radioactive material. It intends to provide operational details on how to comply with the security requirements set out in sections 11 and 12 of the Act.

This code will apply to the security of radioactive material, associated facilities and associated activities for the prevention of malicious acts intended or likely to cause harmful radiological consequences throughout the lifetime of the radioactive material whether it is in use, storage or transport.

Why your views matter

Section 86(2) of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 states ‘before issuing a code of practice, the Director for Radiation Safety must consult any person who the Director reasonably considers is likely to be affected by the proposed code.’ The purpose of this consultation document is to consult as required by section 86(2) and promote discussion. No decisions have been made about the final content.