X-ray & Radiation Equipment Users
Independent radiation protection advice for equipment users
RP Alba Ltd provides Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) support to organisations that own, operate, install, maintain or manage equipment producing ionising radiation, including X-ray generators and radiation-emitting systems used outside the medical sector.
Our advice supports employers in meeting their duties under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and is tailored to the nature of the equipment, how it is used, and the environment in which work is carried out.
Who this support is for
We commonly support:
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Veterinary practices and service providers using X-ray equipment;
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Food and drink manufacturers using X-ray inspection systems;
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Security and screening operators, including mail, freight and access control systems;
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Industrial and research users of analytical or inspection equipment;
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Contractors and service engineers involved in installation, commissioning, maintenance or testing of radiation equipment.
Support is provided to both end users and organisations working temporarily on another employer’s site.
Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) support
As your appointed RPA, RP Alba Ltd provides advice on matters including:
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radiation risk assessments for equipment use, installation and maintenance;
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designation of controlled or supervised areas;
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local rules and contingency arrangements;
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information, instruction and training requirements;
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critical examinations of equipment and safety features;
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changes to equipment, shielding, workload or operating arrangements;
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investigation and review of incidents or abnormal exposures.
Advice is proportionate and designed to support safe, compliant and practical operation, rather than imposing unnecessary controls.
When do you need a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)?
Under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), employers must appoint a suitable RPA where work involves ionising radiation and falls within the scope of the Regulations (Regulation 3).
This includes work involving radiation generators such as X-ray equipment used for inspection, screening, analysis or imaging, and associated installation, commissioning and maintenance activities.
Working on other employers’ sites
Where your staff work with radiation equipment on another employer’s premises, IRR17 requires cooperation and coordination between duty holders.
RP Alba Ltd supports organisations by advising on:
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handover and control of work areas;
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alignment of local rules and risk assessments;
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ensuring staff work under their own radiation protection arrangements, not solely those of the host employer;
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clear definition of responsibilities during installation or maintenance activities.
This is particularly relevant for service engineers and contractors.
Critical examinations and equipment changes
IRR17 requires certain radiation equipment to undergo critical examination before first use or following material modification.
RP Alba Ltd provides advice on:
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scope and content of critical examinations;
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ensuring examinations are suitable for the equipment and its intended use;
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review of examination outcomes and associated documentation;
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advising on changes that may trigger re-examination or updated risk assessment.
Advice is provided even where the RPA is not present during examinations.
Engagement with regulators and other advisers
We support proportionate engagement with regulators and advisers, including:
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the Health and Safety Executive (HSE);
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the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) where relevant;
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coordination with Medical Physics Experts (MPEs), Laser Protection Advisers (LPAs) or Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (DGSAs) appointed by the duty holder.