HSE Begins Inspections Of Chiropractors Over Ionising Radiation Safety

The Health and Safety Executive is inspecting chiropractic practices that use radiation generators to assess compliance with Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. The campaign runs through January to the end of March and covers technical controls, organisation and record keeping. The programme and a new guidance video set out what dutyholders should expect and how to prepare.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a targeted inspection campaign across Great Britain of chiropractors who use radiation generators to check compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Inspections will take place throughout January until the end of March and the regulator has published an online video to explain inspection expectations and the areas inspectors will assess.

Inspectors will focus on the organisation and delivery of radiation protection, including radiation risk assessments, engineering controls and maintenance, contingency planning, training records, designation and monitoring of controlled areas, local rules and the role of radiation protection advisers and supervisors, and personal dosimetry. Visits will also examine construction, warning devices, safety features and any mobile shielding, and operators may be asked to demonstrate equipment and warning systems.

All employers with staff operating radiation generators must be registered with HSE through the RADAN system. Inspectors will contact registered employers in advance to arrange a mutually convenient time and to request documentation ahead of the visit so that the person responsible for radiation is present, equipment is available for inspection and disruption to services is minimised.

After an inspection HSE will provide a summary of compliance standards observed, note any material breaches and set out whether enforcement action will follow. Where required, the regulator can use proportionate options from advice through to prosecution. Dutyholders are reminded that the Approved Code of Practice and guidance for working with ionising radiation is available from HSE and that the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 have been in force since 1 January 2018 with separate rules applying to patient safety.

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