The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019

Off-site emergency plan

11.—(1) Where premises require a planning zone under either or both of regulations 8 or 9, the Executive shall arrange for the preparation of an adequate off-site emergency plan covering that zone or zones.

(2) The plan required by paragraph (1) shall be designed to mitigate, so far as is reasonably practicable, the consequences of a radiation emergency outside the operator’s premises.

(3) The off-site emergency plan shall—

(a) contain the information set out in Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 5 about the detailed emergency planning zone (where there is a detailed emergency planning zone);

(b) contain the information set out at Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Schedule 5 about the outline planning zone (where there is an outline planning zone);

(c) comply with Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 5; and

(d) be drawn up in accordance with the principles and purposes set out in Schedule 6.

(4) The off-site emergency plan shall be prepared within 8 months of the Executive’s receipt of the consequences report and in any event before the operator commences work with ionising radiation to which the evaluation made in accordance with regulation 4(1) or 6(1) applies.

(5) For the purpose of arranging the preparation of an off-site emergency plan, pursuant to paragraph (1) or in reviewing such a plan pursuant to regulation 12(1), the Executive shall consult—

(a) the operator of the premises to which the plan relates;

(b) the emergency services;

(c) the health authority;

(d) the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;

(e) Public Health Agency; and

(f) such other persons, bodies or authorities as the Executive considers appropriate.

(6) The employer of any emergency worker who may be required to participate in the implementation of the off-site emergency plan shall ensure that each such emergency worker is provided with—

(a) suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training; and

(b) any equipment necessary to restrict that employee’s exposure to ionising radiation including, where appropriate, the issue of suitable dosemeters or other devices.

(7) The Executive shall, as soon as reasonably practical after the preparation of the off-site emergency plan, confirm in writing to the operator that preparation of such a plan has taken place..