Radiation, Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations 2001 (REPPIR)

The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR) aims to protect members of the public from a radiation emergency that could arise from work with ionising radiation. The regulations establish a framework of emergency preparedness measures to ensure to ensure that members of the public are properly informed and prepared, in advance, about what to do in the unlikely event of a radiation emergency occurring, and provided with information if a radiation emergency actually occurs.

REPPIR adopt many of the emergency planning principles of the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH) and formalise into regulations previous emergency planning arrangements with local authorities that have been in place around nuclear licensed premises for many years.

REPPIR do not replace existing nuclear site licence conditions but operators of licensed sites who comply with those conditions will satisfy equivalent provisions in REPPIR.

In West Berkshire Council area there are two sites which must comply with the above legislation. These two sites are both run by Atomic Weapons Establishment with sites at AWE Aldermaston and AWE Burghfield.

As a result of the requirements of the legislation in addition to any onsite emergency arrangements West Berkshire Council is required to have an off-site plan relating to this site. The Council has had a response plan for the site for many years. In 2000 as a result of the COMAH regulations this has become more formalised. Since 2000 the plan has undergone a number of revisions as lessons from exercises are identified and learned. In addition due to incidents elsewhere in the world, not necessarily related to radiation, and changes in procedures and policies generally in relation to emergency response the plan has developed and been updated 3 times, the latest update being in July 2009. The revised plan is attached on the link to the right.

In addition to planning and writing plans, there is a legal requirement under the legislation to undertake a multi-agency exercise at least every 3 years in order to exercise the plan and thereafter make changes as necessary. The last exercise was undertaken in 2007.

To find out more as to what AWE are doing including the public information leaflet please click on the AWE link.