Ionising radiation is commonly referred to as radioactive radiation. It originates from certain substances or devices and carries a high level of energy. This energy is sufficient to cause ionisation in matter, for example in the cells of the human body. These ionisations can cause damage to the DNA in those cells.
Exposure to ionising radiation may occur over a short or long period. Regardless of the duration or frequency of exposure, exposure to ionising radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Safe and healthy work with ionising radiation
People who perform tasks involving substances or devices that emit ionising radiation, or who work near them, are regularly exposed to the high energy of this radiation. As a result, they face an increased risk of harm to their health, including cancer, even at low doses. Employers must therefore design workplaces so as to limit risks as far as possible.
Before work begins, the undertaking must carry out a risk inventory and evaluation specifically for activities involving ionising radiation. For this purpose, the undertaking must use Annex A to the Radiation Protection (Occupational Exposure) Regulations 2018 (Dutch).
Note: Under certain circumstances, an undertaking may use NEN Connect – NPR 5662:2024 nl to carry out an RI&E (risk inventory and evaluation) for radiation applications.
Read more about safe and healthy work with radiation (Dutch)
Legislation governing work with ionising radiation
Because of its harmful effects, strict rules apply to working with ionising radiation. These rules are set out in the Nuclear Energy Act and its ensuing decrees and regulations. The Netherlands Labour Authority (NLA) monitors compliance with this legislation insofar as it concerns the protection of employees.
Reporting obligations
If an incident occurs during the work, the undertaking must report it to the relevant authorities. This could include an event that leads to excessive exposure of an employee, a radiation incident or accident.
Radiation incidents must be reported to the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS). In the event of an urgent incident, call 088 489 05 00 directly. This number is available 24 hours a day, including weekends.
Less urgent incidents can be reported online using the form available on the website of the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (Dutch).
Excessive exposure can be reported to the Netherlands Labour Authority by calling 0800 51 51 or by emailing contact@nlarbeidsinspectie.nl.
Inspection results
The NLA uses various intervention strategies to supervise safe and healthy work with ionising radiation. 1 of these strategies is to conduct inspections.
Read more about supervision during the period 2020–2023 (Dutch).
Questions and answers
There are 2 types of radiation: ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation.
Ionising radiation – commonly referred to as radioactive radiation – is a physical phenomenon. It consists of electromagnetic waves and particles released from radioactive material, or electromagnetic waves generated by an X-ray tube. Exposure to ionising radiation can occur anywhere. For example, through radon released from concrete walls, through cosmic radiation when flying, or when an X-ray image is taken at the dentist or in hospital. The radiation cannot be seen, but it can be measured.
The energy carried by these particles and waves is so great that it can damage the cells of the human body if they come into contact with them. Because of this high energy, atoms can change. This leads to damage to tissue and DNA and, among other effects, increases the risk of cancer. For that reason, work involving this radiation is subject to strict rules.
Companies where exposure to ionising radiation may occur must obtain authorisation. This authorisation must be requested from the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection before the activities begin.
Nuclear energy legislation sets out the matters an employer must take into account when its employees work with ionising radiation, including the requirement that exposure must be limited as far as possible.
A radiation protection expert, whether employed or engaged externally, must assist the company in complying with the requirements of nuclear energy legislation. It is vital that this expert identifies the potential risks to people and the environment through a risk inventory and evaluation, and that exposure is kept as low as reasonably possible. A radiation protection supervisor must oversee compliance with the regulations in the workplace.
Also see on Arboportaal: ionising radiation (Dutch). You can also read more about non-ionising radiation: electromagnetic fields (Dutch) and optical radiation (Dutch).
More information
The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) ensures that the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiation protection are met in the Netherlands. The ANVS performs that role by laying down rules, issuing licences, ensuring that licence-holders abide by the conditions and, if the need arises, taking enforcement action.
Fact Sheet: Radiation Protection (Basic Safety Standards) Decree – Occupational Exposure (Dutch)
Fact Sheet: Radiation Protection (Basic Safety Standards) Decree – Expertise (Dutch)
Workplace Supervision Guide for Applications of Ionising Radiation with Low to Medium Risk (Dutch)