Training & Competence
Building competence to support safe and compliant work
Effective radiation protection relies on people having the right knowledge, skills and understanding for their role — not simply documented procedures.
RP Alba Ltd supports employers and duty holders across the UK by helping them ensure that training and competence arrangements are appropriate to the risks, proportionate to the work undertaken, and aligned with regulatory expectations under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and relevant environmental permitting and authorisation regimes.
Our approach reflects good practice while recognising that training needs vary by role, sector and jurisdiction.
Regulatory expectations for training and competence
IRR17 – Information, instruction and training
IRR17 Regulation 15 requires employers to ensure that employees and others who may be exposed to ionising radiation receive adequate information, instruction and training, appropriate to:
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the nature of the work undertaken;
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the level of radiation risk;
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the individual’s role and responsibilities.
This applies not only to radiation workers, but also to supervisors, managers, contractors and others whose actions may affect radiation protection arrangements.
Environmental permitting and authorisation regimes
Across the UK, environmental legislation governing radioactive substances and radioactive waste requires organisations to ensure that staff involved in authorised activities are suitably trained and competent.
This includes awareness of:
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environmental protection duties;
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waste management arrangements;
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compliance with permit, registration, standard condition or exemption requirements;
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emergency and incident response arrangements.
RP Alba Ltd provides advice that reflects the applicable regime in each jurisdiction, including Scotland, England and Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Online training courses
RP Alba Ltd offers a range of online radiation protection training courses through our dedicated platform, RadiationTrainingOnline.
These courses support:
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radiation protection awareness for non-specialists;
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role-specific training for Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS);
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refresher training to maintain competence;
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sector-specific awareness for users of X-ray equipment, radioactive substances or radon-affected workplaces.
Online delivery provides a flexible and auditable means of demonstrating compliance with training and competence requirements.
In-person and tailored training
In addition to online delivery, RP Alba Ltd also provides in-person and tailored training where this is more appropriate.
This may include:
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site-specific training aligned to local rules and radiation risk assessments;
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training delivered alongside RPA or RWA visits;
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refresher sessions following changes to work activities or arrangements;
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bespoke training for managers, supervisors or specialist roles.
In-person delivery is particularly valuable where work activities are complex, site-specific or evolving.
Integrating training with advisory support
Where RP Alba Ltd is appointed as an RPA and/or RWA, we support duty holders by:
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identifying training needs based on actual risks;
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reviewing the suitability of existing training provision;
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ensuring training aligns with radiation protection and waste management arrangements;
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supporting demonstrations of competence during inspections, audits or regulatory engagement.
Training is treated as part of an integrated system of control, not as a standalone activity.