What is radiation protection?

• The Radiation Protection Act 2005 (the Act) and the Radiation Protection Regulations 2016 (the Regulations): promote the safe use of radiation sources
• protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.

This is achieved through licensing and the activities of the Director of Public Health, Radiation Advisory Council and Radiation Protection Unit who work closely to provide protection from the health risks associated with ionising and non-ionising radiation. The Act is administered by the Radiation Protection Unit.

Radiation sources

• X-ray
• Class 3B or Class 4 laser
• IPL used for cosmetic purposes
• MRI/NMR unit
• Sealed and unsealed radioactive material

Radiation licensing

To deal with a radiation source in Tasmania you need a licence issued under the Act. Deal includes the following activity with a prescribed radiation source:

• use
• possession
• storage
• acquisition
• disposal
• selling
• servicing
• repairing
• installation
• transportation
• manufacturing.

It is an offence to deal with a radiation source other than in accordance with a licence under Section 13 of the Act. Significant penalty may apply for unauthorized dealings with a prescribed radiation source.

How licence applications are assessed

Applications for a new licence or amendment applications are assessed by looking at the:

• compliance of a radiation source against the approved safety standards for x-ray equipment, lasers, equipment containing sealed radioactive material
• qualification, experience and skills of people wishing to use the radiation source in accordance with the published Guideline (please note - guidelines are currently being updated and will be replenished shortly. Please contact the Radiation Protection Unit if you have any concerns)
• compliance of the place against approved Standards for places.

Contact the Radiation Protection Unit