# Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019

**Full title:** The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019
**Citation:** SI 2019/703
**Official source:** [legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/703](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/703)
**Status:** In force
**Docket reference:** Ch06 Section 6.5 legislation table

## Purpose

REPPIR 2019 requires operators of premises where radioactive substances are held (above specified thresholds) to assess the hazards and make emergency plans. It also requires that prior information be provided to members of the public who might be affected by a radiation emergency. It replaced REPPIR 2001 and implements relevant provisions of the BSS Directive (2013/59/Euratom).

## Key Provisions Relevant to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

### Hazard Evaluation (Regulations 4-5)

- Operators must carry out a **hazard evaluation** to identify reasonably foreseeable radiation emergencies and assess their consequences.
- The evaluation must consider the types and quantities of radioactive substances on the premises.

### Consequence Assessment (Regulation 6)

- A **consequence assessment** must determine the area around the premises (the "detailed emergency planning zone" or DEPZ) within which members of the public might be affected.
- This defines the geographical scope of emergency planning and public information duties.

### Emergency Plans (Regulations 7-11)

- **Operator's emergency plan (Regulation 7):** The operator must prepare and maintain an emergency plan for the premises.
- **Local authority emergency plan (Regulation 9):** The local authority must prepare an off-site emergency plan for the area within the DEPZ.
- Plans must be tested at appropriate intervals and reviewed at least every three years.

### Prior Information to the Public (Regulations 16-18)

- Members of the public within the DEPZ must be provided with information about:
  - The nature of the hazard
  - Actions to take in the event of a radiation emergency
  - How they will be warned
- This information must be provided without being requested and reviewed regularly.

### Notification to ONR (Regulation 3)

- Operators must notify ONR if they hold radioactive substances above specified quantities.

## Changes from REPPIR 2001

- Updated to align with the BSS Directive
- Revised the thresholds and approach to consequence assessment
- Strengthened requirements for public information
- Broadened scope to include a wider range of premises

## NFC Course Relevance

- Emergency preparedness is a key aspect of nuclear safety at all major NFC facilities — reactors, reprocessing plants, spent fuel stores, and waste management facilities.
- REPPIR 2019 determines the size and nature of emergency planning zones around nuclear sites, which has implications for siting, public engagement, and planning consent.
- The regulations illustrate the principle that nuclear safety extends beyond the site boundary.

## Cross-References

- [HSWA_1974.md](HSWA_1974.md) — Enabling Act
- [IRR_2017.md](IRR_2017.md) — Complementary regulations on radiation protection
- [NIA_1965.md](NIA_1965.md) — Licence conditions also require emergency arrangements (LC11)