Radioactive substances Scotland – amendments and exemptions

The Scottish Government has reviewed the exemptions regime for radioactive substances and consulted on proposals to:

replace the current set of 21 exemption orders with a single exemption order that is easier to follow
change the definitions of ‘radioactive material’ and ‘radioactive waste’ under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and the Radioactive Substances Exemption (Scotland) Order 2011 will come into force in on 1 October 2011.

These regulations apply to Scotland.

What are the Radioactive Substances (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2011?

The Regulations amend the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 to change the definition of ‘radioactive material’ and ‘radioactive waste’ and thereby clarify what is within scope and what is ‘out of scope’ of radioactive substances regulation.

What is the Radioactive Substances Exemption (Scotland) Order 2011?

The Order:

removes the current set of 21 exemption orders made under the 1993 and 1960 Radioactive Substances Acts and replaces them with a single exemption order
removes some types of clocks and watches containing radium from exemption.

Who will the new legislation affect?

The single exemption order will make it easier for businesses and organisations that handle radioactive material or radioactive waste to establish whether or not they are exempt.

Why is the new legislation needed?

The aim of the new legislation is to reduce the regulatory burden for low-risk radioactive substances and to demonstrate clearer compliance with the Euratom Basic Safety Standards Directive.

Further information