Apply to register a radiation source

This page gives information on preparing a radiation source registration application.

You should prepare your application once you have decided to get a radiation source and lodge it no more than 7 days after taking ownership of the source.

Source details such as serial numbers can be given later if they are not available when the application is lodged.

How to apply to register a radiation source

To apply for registration of a radiation source either:

• use the online form
• or download the application form.

You must lodge your application with the required information and documents.

If required information is missing from your application, its assessment may be delayed.

We will issue a tax invoice and a letter of receipt after you lodge your application.

A third-party compliance test is needed for x-ray equipment. Health Protection Services will arrange this test after the registration application has been lodged.

Additional requirements exist for accelerated particle beam apparatus. Contact Health Protection Services for details of these requirements.

A radiation source cannot be used until the registration application has been approved and a registration certificate has been issued.

Registration applications may be referred to the Radiation Advisory Committee for assessment.

Required information and documents

We require the following information from you when applying to register a radiation source.

Possession licence

The possession licence name must match the name of the equipment owner. The licence must also include the type of radiation source for which registration is being sought.

To apply for a possession licence, visit apply for a radiation licence.

Floorplan

A floorplan for the source location, to scale including room dimensions.

Shielding plan

Find out more about a shielding plan.

Shielding verification

We require verification that the installed shielding meets or exceeds the requirements of the shielding plan. This includes information about how penetrations of the shielding material have been addressed to ensure shielding continuity.

If information about the nature and thickness of the installed materials cannot be obtained by the source owner, then a Shielding Survey Report can be submitted.

A Shielding Survey Report must contain:

• the workload against which the suitability of the shielding has been assessed
• the distance to each barrier
• the dose rate measurements (including the measurement position and height from floor level)
• calculation of the Pb equivalence of each barrier in mm Pb (to a minimum of 2 decimal places)
• evidence of assessment of all potentially weak points in the shielding, including:
  • penetrations for power points
  • light switches
  • electrical wiring or plumbing
  • doors and windows (including the frames)

Radiation management plan

Find out more about a radiation management plan.

Evidence of visual contact

We require evidence that visual contact with the patient can be maintained from a shielded operator position throughout the x-ray exposure. For example through a Pb equivalent viewing window, or indirectly through a strategically placed mirror to enable an indirect view, or through a CCTV setup.

Barrier tagging

We require barrier tagging of the operator barrier, including the viewing window if applicable, and any other appropriate walls, windows or doors (with the lead (Pb) thickness or the Pb equivalence and relevant kV).

Compliance inspection report and calibration certificate

A compliance inspection report is required for each x-ray apparatus. We will arrange for these inspections. The report does not need to be included when the application is lodged.

You must provide the calibration certificate for each sealed source or Portable Density Moisture Gauge (PDMG).

Security management plan

A security management plan is required for high activity sealed sources or apparatus that incorporates high activity sealed sources.

The Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (2019) (RPS 11) categorises and sets security requirements for these sources.

Category 1, 2 and 3 sources are considered security enhanced sources. These require a greater level of security and protection. You must submit a security management plan before registration for these categories of sources.