Security

IRS works in high security environments nationwide as one of the UK Security Sector’s largest radiation protection service providers.

We know and understand your operational requirements, as well as the needs of your staff and the challenges they face.

Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Consultancy Services

IRS has a team of highly experienced RPAs who can help you fulfil all legal radiation protection requirements that apply to the high security environment. This includes, though is not limited to Prisons, Airports, Law Enforcement/Fire and Rescue Services and other environments where public access is monitored, or scanning facilities are required.

We know and understand the challenges involved when working in a high security environment, gained from our extensive experience and growth within this sector over decades. Utilising this experience, IRS provide high-quality support services to customers nationwide at a competitive price.

All IRS RPAs are accredited by RPA 2000, which is a recognised accreditation agent by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). We also hold corporate accreditation as an RPA body with HSE. This ensures IRS can provide co-ordinated, expert advice to national standards.

IRS is available for consultation on all appropriate requirements of IRR 17.

Here are some of the areas we can help:

PLANNING

  • Expert advice on overall radiation protection requirements, including both operational and administrative matters,
  • Help and advice relating to RPA consultation, as required by Regulation 13 of IRR 17,
  • Review of Architects drawings to ensure a safe working environment,
  • Assistance in the development of safe environments to store and manage Radionuclides,
  • Advice on the choice of equipment from a radiation safety perspective,
  • Help and advice on the effective training of staff,
  • Assessment of requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PREPARATION

  • Advice relating to the prior notification of the commencement of work with Ionising Radiation,
  • Support to equipment installation, including the Critical examination and Commissioning of equipment,
  • Advice and guidance on seeking the necessary permits for storage and disposal of Radioactive materials,
  • Advice on the need for Personal and Environmental monitoring,
  • Establishment of an IRR 17 Radiation Protection Folder, including associated Local Rules and Risk Assessment documentation,
  • Provision of training needs analysis for staff in relation to IRR 17 requirements,
  • Support relating to the suitability of Appointments, such as the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS),
  • Delivery of suitable Education and Training Programmes for your staff, including Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) training.

OPERATION

  • Help and assistance with the investigation of any accidental exposure or overexposure to radiation,
  • Advice on the implementation of a suitable Quality Assurance (QA) programme for equipment,
  • Advice and support regarding Contamination/Leakage Monitoring and the safe use of radioisotopes,
  • Provision of monitoring to verify the structural integrity of handheld explosives detectors,
  • Review of IRR 17 Documentation, including Local Rules and Risk Assessments,
  • Advice relating to the suitability of equipment service and maintenance arrangements,
  • Review of your staff training needs, in relation to changing work practices, new equipment and technology advancements,
  • Advice and assistance relating to the implementation of periodic environmental monitoring programmes,
  • Delivery of Education and Training update programmes for your staff, including RPS Refresher training,
  • Advisory support and guidance in respect of interactions with appropriate Regulatory/Government agencies.

Equipment Performance Measurements

IRS has extensive experience in the provision of equipment performance and environmental monitoring surveys.

Over the past 40 years, IRS staff have played a pioneering role in the development of X-ray equipment performance measurements within the UK, resulting in a long history of forefront research and scientific publication. During this period, X-ray equipment has undergone significant technological development. However, IRS continues to provide the most up-to-date service, working closely with Security sector organisations nationwide.

We provide acceptance testing and routine performance checks on all X-Ray equipment encountered in secure environments. This includes:

  • Publically accessible baggage, package etc scanners
  • Scanners employed in high security environments
  • Publically accessible body scanners
  • Body scanners employed in high security environments

Education and Training

IRS has over 30 years of experience providing radiation protection services that fully support our customers, patients and the general public. We know and fully understand the challenges involved when working in high security environments, based upon many years of practical operational experience.

Whilst the UK legal requirements for radiation protection have evolved greatly over the past 30 years, IRS is ideally placed to impart the most up-to-date education and training programmes based upon its unique practical operational experience and detailed knowledge of the appropriate legislation.

IRS’s radiation protection course for the security sector ensures that staff who fulfil the role of Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS), or who participate in the use of ionising radiation for security purposes, receive all the necessary information, instruction and training required to create a safe working environment.

For more detailed information on the courses we provide to the security sector, or to book a place at one of our regular events, please see the Education and Training Courses section of our website.

Personal and Environmental Dosimetry

IRS provides a wide range of personnel and environmental (e.g. X-ray and Radon) radiation monitoring services. These services will help you monitor the effective and equivalent doses received by any of your staff who may be exposed to ionising radiations.

Where background levels of radiation are a consideration (e.g. in a high radon level area), IRS’s dosimetry monitoring services will help employers provide safe working environments for their staff and the general public.

IRS’s dosimetry service is integrated fully with our RPA function. This means that, should you choose IRS as your RPA, we will be fully informed of any untoward dose levels that may occur and can support your practice in dealing with this type of situation immediately. As your RPA, IRS would also offer you comprehensive advice on the most appropriate monitoring regime for your practice.

We ensure our customers receive a coherent and cost-effective service in line with modern technological developments, whether they are new types of X-Ray equipment, or innovative dosimetric monitoring techniques.

Dosimeter Technology

IRS provides Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dosemeters, Thermo-Luminescent Dosemeters (TLD) and direct-reading electronic dosimeters, with whole body or extremity monitoring available as required. These latter dosemeters are particularly useful when monitoring staff for a limited period of time, i.e. during pregnancy, or in the event that on-going dose reports may be required.

We can also supply passive radon detection monitors. These monitors utilise passive alpha-track detection technology and can monitor atmospheric radon concentrations in the workplace.

Our flexible and competitively-priced personnel monitoring service can supply monitors to be worn for periods of one, two or three months. Monitors can be supplied continuously, periodically or on a one-off basis. All monitoring services come with the ability to view your dose reports online and are approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

 

For more information about IRS’s Dosimetry Services or to place an order, please see our Dosimetry Services page.

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