Radiological Protection Act (RPA) (RPA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to protect people and the environment against dangers from ionizing radiation.
Art. 2 Scope
1 The Act applies to all activities, installations, events and situations that may involve an ionizing radiation hazard, and in particular to: a. the handling of radioactive substances and of installations, equipment and articles containing radioactive substances or capable of emitting ionizing radiation; b. events that may lead to an increase in environmental radioactivity. 2 The term «handling» covers extraction, manufacturing, processing, distribution, installation, use, storage, transport, disposal, import, export and transit, and any other form of transfer to a third party. 3 Articles 28–38 are not applicable to activities requiring a licence under the Nuclear Energy Act of 21 March 2003. 4 The Federal Council may provide for exemptions from this Act in the case of substances with low levels of radioactivity.
Para. 2 — Amended by Annex No II 4 of the Nuclear Energy Act of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Dec. 2005 (AS 2004 4719; BBl 2001 2665). Para. 3 — SR 732.1 Para. 3 — Amended by Annex No II 4 of the Nuclear Energy Act of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Dec. 2005 (AS 2004 4719; BBl 2001 2665).
Art. 3 Additional provisions
In addition to the provisions of this Act, the following provisions are applicable: a. for nuclear facilities, nuclear goods and radioactive waste, the Nuclear Energy Act of 21 March 2003; b. for nuclear damage caused by nuclear facilities or the transport of nuclear materials, the Nuclear Energy Liability Act of 18 March 1983; c. for off-site transport of radioactive substances, the federal regulations on the transport of hazardous goods.
let. a — Amended by Annex No II 4 of the Nuclear Energy Act of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Dec. 2005 (AS 2004 4719; BBl 2001 2665). let. a — SR 732.1 let. b — SR 732.44
Art. 4 Costs-by-cause principle
Anyone who causes measures to be taken under this Act shall bear the costs thereof.
Art. 5 Research, development, training
1 The Confederation shall promote scientific research on the effects of radiation and radiological protection, as well as training in the area of radiological protection. 2 It may: a. promote development activities in these areas; b. train specialists; c. participate in enterprises devoted to research or training.
Art. 6 Qualifications
1 Only duly qualified persons shall be permitted to carry out activities that may involve an ionizing radiation hazard. 2 The Federal Council shall specify the requirements for the qualifications of such persons.
Art. 7 Commissions
1 The Federal Council shall establish the following advisory commissions: a. Commission for Radiological Protection; b. Commission for ABC-Protection. 2 It shall define their responsibilities.
Para. 1 let. a — The name of this administrative unit was amended by Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publications Ordinance of 17 Nov. 2004 (AS 2004 4937), in force since 1 Jan. 2015. Para. 1 let. b — The name of this administrative unit was amended by Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publications Ordinance of 17 Nov. 2004 (AS 2004 4937), in force since 1 Jan. 2015. Para. 1 let. b — Amended by Annex No II 9 of the Federal Act of 22 March 2002 on the Revision of Organisational Provisions of Federal Legislation, in