Preparing for Emergencies- Guidance For Health Boards in Scotland

Appendix 5

Roles Of Organisations During A Radiological Or Nuclear Incident

National Arrangements for Incidents involving Radioactivity (NAIR)

NAIR is coordinated by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) CRCE. It includes NHS Radiation Protection Advisers and Medical Physicists and provides expert advice to first responders at incidents involving, or thought to involve, radioactive substances.

Nuclear Installation site specific plans

As part of a Nuclear Installation operator's site plan, Territorial Health Boards should provide advice on health measures drawing on technical assistance, where necessary from the Government Technical Advisor (GTA), monitoring data and assessments from the site operator, HPA (or its successor), HPS, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) or other sources. Health Boards will liaise with Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates to ensure consistency and synchronisation of health advice at a local and national level.

Emergency reference levels/counter-measures

The Public Health England is responsible for recommending Emergency Reference Levels (ERLs) for intervention after a radiation accident. Doses measured above these levels should trigger the introduction of counter-measures (e.g. sheltering, provision of stable iodine, evacuation etc.) to protect the public.