HC Deb 12 July 1988 vol 137 c170W
129. Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what monitoring of private health service X-ray equipment takes place; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

All users of X-ray equipment are subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related legislation. The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 put a duty upon employers to appoint a radiation protection adviser whose functions include the monitoring of X-ray equipment.

District health authorities have a general responsibility to ensure that medical, surgical and nursing equipment in private nursing homes and hospitals is adequately maintained. As part of this responsibility, they must inspect each establishment at least twice a year.