Radioactive substances

We are responsible for the regulation of all radioactive substances, helping to maintain and protect a safe and healthy environment.

Environmental authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018

What are we able to do?

We can now accept:

applications for an EASR18 authorisation (please contact sepa.org.uk/contact);

online notifications EASR18 for orphan source or managed radioactive substances (only IAEA category 5 that: exceed 200 kBq; tritium sources exceeding 20 GBq; and electrodeposited source. Radioactive substances in IAEA category 4 and above require a permit).

What should you do now?

If you have made or wish to make an application for a permit under EASR18 please contact us at sepa.org.uk/contact. There is a fee associated with this service.

If you wish to make an online notification, you can use our online notification service for:

managed radioactive substances;
orphan source radioactive substances.

There is no fee associated with this service and it should take just a few minutes to complete.

Radioactive substances

On 1 September 2018, the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EA(S)R) came into force for radioactive substances activities in Scotland. This replaces the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93), associated Exemption Order and the High-Activity Sealed Sources and Orphan Sources Regulations 2005.

We are responsible for regulating radioactive substances activities and now do so within an integrated authorisation framework designed to ensure that suitable controls are in place that are proportionate to the nature of the activity and any associated risks to human health and the environment. There are four types of authorisation under EA(S)R:

general binding rules (GBRs);
notification;
registration;
permit.

These types of authorisation replace the registrations and authorisations under RSA93 and those using the associated Exemption Order. We have produced new application forms, new standard conditions and guidance, an RS Authorisation guide, a Fit and Proper Person guidance and a Public Participation Statement.

You can report an incident involving radioactive material or radioactive waste by calling our 24 hour pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.