Compliance

October 16, 2025

Author: Max Haydon

The Involvement of Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs) and HSE in the Compliance of Radiation Shielding Windows in Healthcare Settings

In healthcare environments where diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy are routine, ensuring the safety of patients and staff from ionising radiation is a critical responsibility. The compliance of radiation shielding windows is an essential component of controlled areas, which not only depends on the expert guidance of Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs) and the regulatory standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but also on the quality of products provided. Raybloc, as the industry’s premium provider of radiation shielding windows, plays a key role in supporting healthcare facilities with expertly engineered solutions that meet and exceed safety requirements, ensuring that both regulatory and practical needs are fully addressed.

The Requirement for Suitable Shielding Solutions

Lead lined windows are essential for maintaining both radiation safety and clinical hygiene in diagnostic imaging environments. From X-ray suites to PET-CT rooms, these specialised fixtures allow clear observation while protecting staff and the public from ionising radiation exposure. In the UK, compliance with both hygiene and shielding standards is non-negotiable. This includes adherence to HTM 63 for infection prevention and IPEM guidance for shielding integrity. Crucially, the radiation shielding design and installation must be approved by a qualified Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) or Medical Physics Expert (MPE), and responsibility for shielding effectiveness lies with both the manufacturer and the installer, depending on the circumstances of supply and installation.

The Role of HTMs and IPEM in RPA Assessed Radiological Protection Compliance

HTM 63 outlines best practices for fixed furniture and fittings in healthcare environments. It emphasises infection control through the use of smooth, non-porous, and easy-to-clean surfaces. For radiation shielding windows, this means using materials and finishes that prevent the harbouring of pathogens while integrating seamlessly into hygienic wall finishes.

In parallel, IPEM (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine) provides technical guidance on the shielding of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities. Publications such as IPEM Report 75 and Report 113 establish criteria for shielding calculations, attenuation requirements, and testing procedures to ensure protection from primary and scattered ionising radiation. These publications support RPAs and MPEs in applying scientifically grounded procedures to assess and advise on shielding effectiveness.

Key Criterion and Requirements for Shielding Windows: Hygiene & Radiation

Infection Control (HTM 63)

Fixtures must be constructed from materials that are impervious, durable, and resistant to frequent cleaning.
Frames and joints should be sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture or microorganisms.
The entire window system should integrate smoothly with the surrounding wall finishes, reducing dirt traps and aiding compliance with infection prevention policies.

Radiation Protection (IPEM & IRR17)

Shielding design must be based on a comprehensive radiation risk assessment conducted by an RPA or MPE.
Lead glass should meet or exceed the required lead equivalence (typically from 1.32 mm Pb up to 20 mm Pb, depending on room usage).
Frames and fixings must match or exceed the shielding rating of the lead glass.
Post-installation surveys must be conducted by an RPA or MPE using dosimetric testing to confirm shielding effectiveness.

These procedures are outlined within the framework of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), under the oversight of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Compliance with these regulations is a legal requirement for any healthcare employer who operates ionising radiation equipment.

Raybloc’s Approach to Meeting RPA Requirements and Ensuring Responsibility

Raybloc manufactures shielding windows to meet both the infection control requirements of HTM 63 and the radiation protection specifications outlined in IPEM guidance and IRR17 legislation. All Raybloc windows feature:

Hygienic frame & architrave finishes (e.g., PVC, primer painted, stainless steel, or lacquered hardwood) that are compliant with HTM 63.
Precision manufacturing of lead glass and lead-lined frames to specified shielding levels, suitable for the radiation risk profile of the healthcare setting.

When Raybloc both manufactures and installs the shielding windows, the company assumes full responsibility for the shielding’s effectiveness. If Raybloc only manufactures the window and a third party performs the installation, responsibility is determined upon review, should a shielding failure occur. This ensures transparency and protection for the healthcare organisation, in accordance with RPA advice and statutory procedure.

Materials Used in HTM and IPEM Compliant Shielding Windows

Lead Glass

Raybloc’s shielding windows use optical-grade lead glass, offering high transparency with lead equivalence ranging from 1.8 mm Pb to 20 mm Pb. Glass is selected and certified based on the energy range assessed during the radiation risk assessment conducted by the RPA or MPE.

Frames

Frames are manufactured from hardwood or stainless steel and incorporate a continuous lead core to match or exceed the protection level of the glass. Sealed finishes prevent microbial contamination in line with HTM 63 requirements.

Fixings

All fixings are selected to maintain the shielding envelope. When Raybloc installs the product, fixings are applied with a certified methodology and recorded in installation documentation for quality assurance and compliance. For hygiene and aesthetic purposes, all fixings are designed to be concealed with plugs or caps.

Testing and Demonstrating Compliance with Ionising Radiation Regulations

Post-installation, RPAs or MPEs must conduct radiation surveys to confirm compliance. These assessments form part of the overall radiation risk assessment and are documented under HSE-led procedures. If leakage is detected and Raybloc was responsible for both manufacture and installation, the issue is resolved at no cost under Raybloc’s 10-year shielding warranty. Documentation includes:

Shielding calculations based on regulatory criteria
Installation procedure records
RPA/MPE survey reports
Product specification and CPD-backed training credentials

Ensuring a Fully Suitable and Compliant Installation

To ensure compliance:

Shielding windows must be integrated into the room’s overall radiological protection scheme.
RPAs/MPEs must be consulted and their advice documented during planning, installation, and any maintenance procedures.
HTM 63-compliant materials and infection control design elements must be incorporated.
Quality assurance and post-installation testing must be reviewed and retained in compliance records.

4 Common Applications in Healthcare

1. X-Ray Rooms

Windows used in diagnostic X ray rooms must block scattered radiation and offer hygienic finishes for clinical areas. Equivalent protection of at least 1 mm Pb is typical and should be reviewed by an RPA as part of the room’s shielding assessment. Since radiation in X-ray rooms is directional, an X-ray screen at a height of 2m is often adequate in place of a full internal window.

2. CT Rooms

CT scanners emit high-energy ionising radiation. Windows require ≥2 mm Pb equivalence, and hygienic integration with wall finishes is essential to comply with HTM 63 and satisfy shielding requirements outlined in the radiation risk assessment.

3. PET-CT Rooms

PET-CT suites demand higher shielding due to positron-emitting isotopes. Window systems must be thoroughly assessed and approved by RPAs/MPEs with enhanced shielding specifications based on regulatory criteria.

4. MRI Rooms

While MRI uses non ionising radiation, combined imaging rooms (e.g., PET-MRI) require both RF shielding and ionising radiation protection, including suitable window systems.

Trusting Certified Shielding for Safer Healthcare

Raybloc’s shielding windows are engineered for dual compliance: infection prevention and radiological protection. By working with RPAs, MPEs, and clinical planners, Raybloc ensures that every product contributes to a safer, cleaner, and fully compliant healthcare environment that aligns with HSE guidance and IRR17.

FAQs

Do all radiation shielding windows need to meet HTM and IPEM standards?

Yes. Windows in diagnostic and nuclear medicine rooms must be compliant with HTM 63 for hygiene and IPEM standards for shielding performance, and must be assessed by an RPA or MPE.

How can hospitals verify that their shielding windows are compliant?

By reviewing RPA and MPE survey reports, shielding test records, installation documentation, and ensuring all procedures are aligned with the Ionising Radiations Regulations and Health and Safety Executive guidance.

What materials are approved for HTM-compliant radiation windows?

Lead glass (1.80 mm Pb to 20 mm Pb), sealed hardwood or stainless steel frames, and impervious hygienic finishes, all selected to meet infection control and radiological protection requirements.

Are Raybloc’s radiation shielding windows tested to UK regulations?

Yes. When installed by Raybloc, all windows are tested and covered by a 10-year shielding warranty. RPAs or MPEs independently verify shielding effectiveness under HSE procedure.

Can shielding windows be custom-made and still comply with regulations?

Absolutely. Raybloc offers bespoke solutions, provided shielding calculations are approved by an RPA or MPE and installation follows a documented, auditable procedure.

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Max Haydon

Head of Business Development at Raybloc (X-Ray Protection) Ltd

"I’m Max, one of the Haydon brothers carrying on the family legacy of Raybloc alongside Founder (and Father), Sean Haydon. My late grandfather, Leonard Street - fondly nicknamed “Gangy” by me and my brothers - founded Raybloc alongside my dad, and their dedication to precision, proactivity, and continuous improvement inspires everything I do.

With a Master’s in Physics with Medical Physics from the University of Nottingham, I’m serious about creating valuable content for our customers but always keep things human and approachable. The most rewarding part of my job? Knowing that Raybloc’s radiation shielding systems make healthcare environments safer, improve patient experiences, and support NHS staff in reducing waiting times. It’s a great feeling to know the work we do has such a positive impact.

Outside of work, I’m usually strumming my guitar, singing along to The Beatles, or creating original music inspired by 60s and 70s legends. Looking ahead, I’m passionate about expanding Raybloc into new industries and forging partnerships with people who share our mission to make meaningful change."