The Radiation Physics and Protection Service's (RRPPS) Approved Dosimetry Service (ADS), is the largest approved dosimetry service in the NHS, issuing approximately 100,000 dosemeters per year to roughly 15,000 radiation workers nationwide.
We have been recognised as an approved dosimetry service by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) since the introduction of the Ionising Radiations Regulations in 1985, with our experience dating back to 1949.
We are also approved by the HSE to apply a correction factor to eye doses measured by dosemeters worn in diagnostic or interventional radiology.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) approval for dose assessment
The HSE has approved RRPPS for the measurement and assessment of doses to the whole body, arising from external X-ray and/or gamma radiation in the energy range 15 KeV to 7 MeV, and/or external beta radiation from beta particle emissions of maximum spectral energy in the range of 0.74 MeV to 4.5 MeV. Our minimum recording level is 0.1mSv for any single measurement.
We are also approved to provide a TLD measurements of thermoluminescent dosemeter service. The service can be used to measure doses to the hands, feet and eyes from x- and gamma- radiation, and for the application of a correction factor to account for lead glasses.
All types of dosemeters can be issued monthly, two-monthly or quarterly. Extremity monitors are available in straps, fingerstalls or rings.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approval for co-ordination and record keeping
The HSE has approved RRPPS for the co-ordination of dose assessments for each individual for whom dose records are maintained. This approval includes the making and maintenance of dose records from information supplied by other approved dosimetry services, the keeping of dose records, and the provision of copies, suitable summaries and extracts of dose information as required.
Records are kept for all wearers (non-classified or classified) electronically. Any dose record from previous years and/or other approved dosimetry services can be entered on to the database when necessary. The details contained in the dose record comply with the HSE requirements ("RADS - part 3").
Dose records and reports
Employer, wearer and dose data are held on secure servers within University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) and backed up at a secure remote site in the UK. Employers can access their own reports via the Client Portal, which is protected by multi-factor authentication.
Dose reports are produced weekly, including any doses read in the previous seven days. The report includes a separate table listing unreturned dosemeters. Full personal dose records and employers summaries are also available.
Administrative and technical support
Employers are actively notified if:
- wearers approach or exceed a dose limit
- non-classified wearers approach or exceed a dose level at which they should be classified
- a single measurement exceeds 3/10s of a dose limit
For classified persons the full requirements of the Central Index of Dose Information (CIDI) are met and all the mandatory procedures and documentation are complied with, including registration, statutory dose records, annual returns, and termination records.
Administrative and technical support staff can be contacted on the below email addresses, to answer queries and offer help and advice.
Admin
Technical
Last reviewed: 15 August 2023