IAEA inspection leads to radioactivity concerns

Prospect has called on the government to implement International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommendations which have “highlighted the urgent need for greater funding for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to meet its obligations”.

The HSE employs just seven specialist radiation inspectors to cover almost 17,000 employers using radiation sources, ranging from local dentists and vets to hospitals and industrial applications. This means one inspector for around every 2,500 employees. They do not cover nuclear power stations.

An IAEA inspection revealed a low inspection frequency, a high rate of non-compliance, and the lack of a comprehensive register of radioactive sources or radiation generators. It also found that applicants are not required to submit a safety assessment to the HSE. Instead they can secure a licence automatically on payment of a small fee.

https://prospect.org.uk/news/government-must-implement-iaea-recommendations-and-fund-hse