Legislation

Last updated: 5 January 2012

The Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate (IPRI) enforce the following legislation:

The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 1993)Opens in New window provides for the registration of radioactive materials and premises and also authorisation for the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste by the Chief Radiochemical Inspector.

New legislation applies from 1 October 2011 defining exemption from RSA 93. This legislation consists of The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011Opens in New window and The Radioactive Substances Exemption (Northern Ireland) Order 2011.Opens in New window Government guidance on the new exemption order regime can be found on the Defra websiteOpens in New window

More specific guidance on certain aspects of the new regime can be found on the Environment Agency websiteOpens in New window.

The regulations provide for a transitional period from 1 October 2011 to 1 April 2012 during which time changes to existing certificates of registration or authorisation, which are required as a result of the revised legislation, can be performed free of charge. If you carry out an activity using a substance or article which immediately before the 1 October 2011 was not categorised as radioactive material but as a result of the change in legislation now is, or if you believe an activity you are currently registered for is now excluded or exempt, please request an application form from us on IPRI@doeni.gov.uk or 028 9056 9299.

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.Opens in New window

Under the above Regulations radioactive materials must not be consigned or carried by road in Northern Ireland other than in accordance with the provisions set out in Annexes A and B to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Some additional requirements in relation to radiological emergencies are also imposed by the 2010 regulations