RSSB 2318 - Radiation Protection Advisors & Consultancy

RSSB, on behalf of its member organisations, is seeking to procure the services of a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) role: 1.

To help the GB rail industry fulfil its obligations in managing the radiation risk arising from the train driving cab instruments known as AWS indicators.

These indicators might contain tritium paint.

In particular, the RPA shall provide the following: a) Advice and guidance on whether the available data on AWS indicator radiation risk is sufficient to support either:  “Type Approval” in the context of IRR 99 schedule 1 subsection 1 (c) (iii) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) polices CDG 2009 (see appendix 1 for the data); or  An “exemption certificate” in accordance with IRR99 Regulation 37. (Appendix 1 is a summary of available information about the amount of radiation and tritium-based paint) b) Communication briefing material that fulfils the “information, instruction and training” requirements of the IRR 99 regulation 14, applicable to the scope of the AWS indicator.

The communication brief shall include information on compliance with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009), as amended, including when and how to send AWS Indicators as Excepted Packages The communication material will be suitable for managing the risk presented to three distinct stakeholder groups:  Train operator staff who may use, package and dispose of AWS indicators  Persons responsible for repairing AWS indicators  Persons who provide the Radiation Protection Supervisor role (Appendix 2 references the roles and responsibilities of those that are applicable to regulation 14 in this instance) c) A strategy and rationale for the GB mainline railway that meets the intent of regulation 27 and takes account of the low level of radiation emitted from the AWS indicator.

In particular, the RPA, through the strategy, will explain which activities the railway undertakings and supply industry should undertake with respect to the AWS indicator units covered by the IRR99, why this is needed and whether there are any practical ‘work arounds’ available that will support a case that it is unnecessary for organisations to be declared as 'radiation employers'. d) A strategy and rationale for radiation employers within the rail industry to fulfil their obligations under IRR 99 regulations 15 and 17 e) Evaluate the findings of a) and c) and provide recommendations on any further activities necessary to support an exemption request against IRR 99 regulation 37 f) Support to industry representatives at meeting(s) to assist the industry explain their proposed strategies and obtain their acceptance by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and/or the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Note: Should the supplier require access to any representative AWS indicator units, RSSB can arrange for these to be provided.