Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)

Job Purpose

Provide radiological protection advice and training services to practices which utilise ionising radiation.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake site visits to client sites (both on and offshore) to inspect working practices and to ensure that operations are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation (national and international).
• Produce scientific reports from site visits and radiological audits detailing any non-compliances and improvement recommendations with relevant legislation to ensure full compliance.
• Prepare and deliver specialist radiological protection training to a range of clients, some of which will have complex compliance issue. Training courses delivered will include RPS, Radiation Awareness, Radiation Monitor User Training.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in relation to specific areas of legislative compliance and where appropriate, provide support in the preparation of the local rules, risk assessments and securing permits relating to the keeping and use of sealed sources and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste.
• Continually assess the market and put forward proposals, complete with justification, for further improvement/expansion of RP services.

Additional Requirements

• Extensive travel both UK and overseas.
• Working at heights, must be physically fit.
• Potential for wearing of protective personal equipment including respiratory protective equipment.
• Potential for working out of normal hours and occasional weekends.
• Manual handling.

Requirement:

To have or be working towards the RPA Accreditation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) specifies the Criteria of Core Competence for Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs). The role of an RPA is set out in Regulation 14(1) and Schedule 4 to the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Broadly, it is to advise an employer engaged in work with ionising radiation on compliance with IRR17 and/or REPPIR19. This includes those radiation protection matters necessary to comply with the Regulations.

To obtain RPA accreditation from an Assessing Body (RPA2000), individuals must provide evidence largely from education, training and/or experience that is sufficient to satisfy that Body that the individuals have:

A knowledge and understanding that meet the level stated for each topic referred to in Annex 3 of the HSE Statement on Radiation Protection Advisers;

A detailed understanding of IRR17 and its ACOP, together with a knowledge of non-statutory HSE guidance in ‘Work with Ionising Radiation’ (HSE Books L121 second edition);

• Knowledge of operational radiation protection methods, especially:
• interpretation and application of radiation protection data;
• work supervision;
• radiological measurements;
• control procedures for work involving the potential for significant radiation exposure; and
• The ability to give adequate advice or to have given adequate advice to duty holders and employers on compliance with IRR17 and the applicability of REPPIR19.

Key Training Objectives

CPD, continuous work-based learning, shadowing more experienced RPAs, internal / external formal training courses e.g., RPS courses, UKHSA’s RPTS course, scientific writing training, time spent in the radiochemistry laboratory, monitors department, Process Diagnostics, Specialist Measurements.

RPAs and RPA Designates will be expected to join the Society for Radiological Protection Society (SRP) and attend when appropriate attend SRP seminars and annual conferences.

Key Objectives after joining the Commercial RPA Team

Year 1

• Run the first day RPS course.
• Complete site audit on their own.
• Complete offshore survival training.
• Join SRP.
• Attend SRPs Foundation RPTS course (if haven’t already).
• Manage Personal Training Record and start RPA2000 RPA portfolio.

Year 2

• Act as lead RPA to contracted clients and support accordingly. Effective time management.
• Take on commercial responsibilities, e.g., assisting in the production of formal quotes

Years 3/4

For trainees, aim for achieving:

• Accredited Radiation Protection Adviser
• Accredited Radiation Waste Adviser
• Chartered status as RPA professional after 3-5 years depending on previous experience.