Training activity information
Details
Complete an audit of compliance against an element of IRR, and write a report and make recommendations
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Local and national guidance/legislation
- Local frameworks of radiation protection, including policies and practice
- Report recommendations
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- Consider the specific element of IRR (The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017) you will be auditing.
- What will constitute a comprehensive audit and a well-structured report with practical recommendations?
- What are the precise requirements of the selected element of IRR?
- What local rules, procedures, and risk assessments are relevant to this aspect of IRR within the workplace?
- Do you know where to find the necessary information and documentation for the audit?
- Are you familiar with the techniques for assessing compliance against regulatory requirements?
- How will this activity enhance your understanding of IRR and its practical application in the workplace?
- What skills in conducting a regulatory audit and formulating improvement recommendations will you gain?
- Will you develop a greater awareness of the responsibilities of employers and employees under IRR?
- Discuss the chosen element of IRR and the audit process with your training officer.
- Thoroughly review the relevant sections of the IRR legislation and associated Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).
- Identify and review local rules, risk assessments, and other relevant documentation.
- Consider potential areas where compliance might be challenging.
- Do you feel confident in your understanding of IRR to perform this audit?
- Are you anticipating any difficulties in accessing necessary information or assessing compliance?
In action
- Pay attention to how you are conducting the audit. What specific areas of compliance with IRR are you focusing on (e.g., local rules, personal dosimetry)?
- Why did you choose this particular element? How are you gathering evidence?
- What decisions are you making when assessing compliance or non-compliance with IRR? What standards are you comparing against?
- What parts of the IRR compliance check feel familiar, and what requires more focused attention to the details of the regulations and their implementation?
- How well is your audit approach working in identifying whether the department or modality is meeting the requirements of the chosen element of IRR?
- Are you finding the necessary information?
- What difficulties are you experiencing during the audit? Are there challenges in understanding the practical application of IRR or in obtaining relevant data?
- What insights are you gaining about the implementation of IRR within the workplace as the audit proceeds? Are there any unexpected findings?
- How does this audit relate to your knowledge of the legal obligations of IRR and its role in ensuring the safety of staff and the public?
- If you are unsure about the interpretation of a specific IRR requirement, are there other sources of information or expert advice you could seek during the audit?
- What support or guidance might be helpful in the moment if you identify a significant area of potential non-compliance and are unsure of the immediate steps?
- Are you ensuring that your audit is focused on the selected element of IRR and remains within your level of ability?
On action
- Which specific element of IRR did you audit against?
- What were the key findings of your audit regarding compliance?
- What evidence did you gather to support your observations?
- What challenges did you encounter during the audit process?
- What were the main points you included in your audit report?
- What recommendations did you make based on your findings?
- How is an audit process used to assess compliance with radiation protection legislation?
- What are the key considerations when auditing against IRR?
- How do you formulate advice and recommendations based on audit findings?
- What level of detail and evidence is required in an audit report?
- How will this experience inform your approach to future audits or compliance checks?
- What skills did you develop or improve in terms of audit methodology and report writing?
- How will you ensure that your recommendations are practical and contribute to improved practice?
Beyond action
- Have you reviewed the audit you conducted against the element of IRR and the report and recommendations you produced?
- Have you had opportunities to see if your recommendations were implemented or discussed further within the department?
- How does this IRR audit experience compare with the IRMER audit and any other audit activities you have undertaken?
- How has conducting this audit enhanced your understanding of the practical application of IRR?
- Did the process of auditing against IRR highlight any specific areas of radiation safety that you now pay closer attention to in your work?
- Has this training activity improved your ability to interpret and apply legal requirements in a practical setting?
- How will the skills you developed in auditing against IRR be useful in future assessments of radiation hazards and legislative implications?
- Will your understanding of IRR gained through this process be valuable in future roles or responsibilities involving the management of radiation risks to staff?
- How might this experience contribute to your ability to provide informed advice on compliance with radiation safety legislation in the future?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Perform audits against legislation and make recommendations to improve practice. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Formulate advice on compliance with aspects of legislation. |