When we hear the word radiation, most of us picture power plants or hazmat suits and not our regular workplaces. However, a very recent case showed that radiation risks are more common than we think and poor management can lead to health issues, risk livelihoods and could be fatal.
The incident
In December 2020, a 69-year-old radiographer at Mistras Group Limited in Cambridge was exposed to dangerous levels of ionising radiation while operating a gamma-emitting radio source for radiography. This type of radiation can harm the body by penetrating skin and tissues, especially with prolonged exposure. The incident occurred because the equipment was not returned to its protective shield, and the company’s safety protocols were not followed, resulting in the overexposure. Additionally, the employee did not use available radiation monitoring devices, and safety checks were not conducted before use.
Investigation and findings
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a full investigation after the radiographer dosimetry service reports revealed radiation exposure above legal limits. Inspectors discovered that the radioactive sources had failed to retract to its fielded container, and this caused serious health risks to the worker involved. The Investigation revealed that pre-use safety checks had not been completed and recorded by the radiographer and that there had been a number of failings made by the company to ensure employees were following its rules and procedures for radiation protection.
Check out BrAInbox for instant answers to questions like:
Legal outcomes
As a result, Mistras Group Limited, of Norman Way, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to breaching section 9(1) of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) which sets out the requirements for the use of radioactive materials in the workplace. This regulation requires employers to assess radiation risks, implement control measures, appoint a qualified Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and ensure all the safety checks and trainings are in place.
Section 2(1) of Health and Safety Work Act 1974 which places a general duty on all employers to ensure as far as it is reasonably practicable the health, safety, and welfare of their employees while at work.
HSE Inspectors Comments
HSE specialist inspector for radiation Elizabeth Reeves said: “Industrial radiography is a hazardous practice if not managed properly…. Radiation protection is an area where employers and employees must not become complacent with. Safety checks and the use of monitoring equipment such as Electronic Personal Dosimeter (EPD) and radiation monitors are essential elements to ensuring the safe operation of equipment and protection to personnel.”
Ms Reeves continues, “This prosecution demonstrates that the courts, and HSE, take failure to comply with the regulations extremely seriously.”
Safety implications and lessons learned
This incident shows the operational risks that can occur when safety procedures are not followed in environments involving radiation. The failure to complete and record a pre use equipment check allowed a radioactive source to remain unshielded resulting in unnecessary exposure.
Several key control gaps:
- Safety checks must be conducted before each use of radiation emitting equipment.
- Risk assessment should include potential equipment malfunction and response action.
- Monitoring devices such as decimetres must be worn and regularly viewed.
- Trained and competent personnel in radiation safety procedure
- Employers must ensure that safety systems are consistently followed and audited.
The incident reinforces the importance of following the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Failure to implement basic controls can lead to regulatory enforcement, financial penalties, and potential long term health consequences for workers. Organisations working with ionising radiation should review and strengthen their procedures to reduce the likelihood of similar events.
Check out BrAInbox for instant answers to questions like: