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

Implementation of emergency plans

16.—(1) An operator who has prepared an emergency plan pursuant to regulation 10 shall take reasonable steps to put it, or such parts of it as are necessary, into effect without delay—

(a) when a radiation emergency occurs; or

(b) if an event occurs which might lead to a radiation emergency.

(2) When an operator takes the steps set out in paragraph (1), the operator shall at the same time inform the Executive that the operator has put its plan into effect.

(3) Where the Executive has arranged for the preparation of an off-site emergency plan pursuant to regulation 11 it shall take reasonable steps to put it or such parts of it as are necessary, into effect without delay when informed by the operator that—

(a) a radiation emergency has occurred; or

(b) an event has occurred which could give rise to a radiation emergency.

(4) In the event of a radiation emergency occurring, or on the occurrence of an event which could give rise to a radiation emergency, the operator, with the Executive, shall make a provisional assessment of the circumstances and consequences of such an emergency, and for this purpose shall consult—

(a) the emergency services;

(b) the health authority;

(c) The Public Health Agency;

(d) The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development; and

(e) any other persons, bodies or authorities which have functions under the operator’s emergency plan, or the off-site emergency plan.

(5) The assessment required by paragraph (4) shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable in order to respond effectively to the particular characteristics of the radiation emergency

(6) The operator shall as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event within 12 months, or such longer time as the Executive may agree, make a full assessment of the consequences of the radiation emergency or other event and the effectiveness of the emergency plans put into effect in accordance with paragraph (1).

(7) The Executive shall co-operate with the operator in making the operator’s assessment of the effectiveness of the emergency plans as required by paragraph (6).

(8) The operator shall, within 28 days of the day on which the assessment made under paragraph (6) is completed, make a report of the findings of that assessment and retain that report or a copy of that report for at least 50 years from the date on which the report was completed.

(9) The operator shall provide the Executive with a copy of the report made under paragraph (8) within 28 days of the day on which it was completed.