The Public Information for Radiation Emergencies Regulations 1992

Regulation 2

SCHEDULE 1 DOSES OF IONISING RADIATION APPLICABLE TO THE DEFINITION OF RADIATION EMERGENCY

PART I DOSE FOR THE WHOLE BODY

1.  The dose for the whole body resulting from exposure to the whole or part of the body, being the sum of the following dose quantities resulting from exposure to ionising radiation, namely the effective dose equivalent from external radiation and the committed effective dose equivalent from that year’s intake of radio-nuclides, shall in the period of one year immediately following the occurrence be 5 mSv.

PART II DOSE FOR INDIVIDUAL ORGANS AND TISSUES

2.  Without prejudice to Part I of this Schedule, the dose for individual organs or tissues, being the sum of the following dose quantities resulting from exposure to ionising radiation, namely the dose equivalent from external radiation, the dose equivalent from contamination and the committed dose equivalent from that year’s intake of radio-nuclides averaged throughout any individual organ or tissue (other than the lens of the eye) or any body extremity or over any area of skin, shall in the period of one year immediately following the occurrence be 50 mSv.

3.  In assessing the dose quantity to skin whether from contamination or external radiation, the area of skin over which the dose quantity is averaged shall be appropriate to the circumstances but in any event shall not exceed 100 cm².

PART III DOSE FOR THE LENS OF THE EYE

4.  The dose for the lens of the eye resulting from exposure to ionising radiation, being the average dose equivalent from external and internal radiation delivered between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm behind the surface of the eye, shall in the period of one year immediately following the occurrence be 15 mSv.

Regulation 3(1)

SCHEDULE 2 (PARAGRAPHS 1—4 OF WHICH SET OUT THE PROVISIONS OF ANNEX I TO THE DIRECTIVE) PRIOR INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED AND MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE

1.  Basic facts about radioactivity and its effects on persons and on the environment.

2.  The various types of radiation emergency covered and their consequences for the general public and the environment.

3.  Emergency measures envisaged to alert, protect and assist the general public in the event of a radiation emergency.

4.  Appropriate information on action to be taken by the general public in the event of a radiation emergency.

5.  The authority or authorities responsible for implementing the emergency measures and action referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 above.

Regulation 4(4)

SCHEDULE 3 (WHICH SETS OUT, AMONG OTHERS, THE PROVISIONS OF ANNEX II TO THE DIRECTIVE)INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED IN THE EVENT OF A RADIATION EMERGENCY

1.  Information on the type of emergency which has occurred, and, where possible, its characteristics, for example, its origin, extent and probable development.

2.  Advice on health protection measures, which, depending on the type of emergency, might include—

(a) any restrictions on the consumption of certain foodstuffs and water supply likely to be contaminated;

(b) any basic rules on hygiene and decontamination;

(c) any recommendation to stay indoors;

(d) the distribution and use of protective substances;

(e) any evacuation arrangements;

(f) special warnings for certain population groups.

3.  Any announcements recommending co-operation with instructions or requests by the competent authorities.

4.  Where an occurrence which is likely to give rise to a release of radioactivity or ionising radiation has happened but no release has yet taken place, the information and advice should include the following—

(a) an invitation to tune in to radio or television;

(b) preparatory advice to establishments with particular collective responsibilities;

(c) recommendations to occupational groups particularly affected.

5.  If time permits, information setting out the basic facts about radioactivity and its effects on persons and on the environment.