About radiation control
Control of radiation in NSW is governed by the following legislation:
Object of the Radiation Control Act
The object of the Act is to secure the protection of persons and the environment from exposure to harmful ionising and non-ionising radiation to the maximum extent that is reasonably practicable, taking into account social and economic factors and recognising the need for the use of radiation for beneficial purposes.
EPA functions under the legislation
The Environment Protection Authority's Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Radiation Section is responsible for administering the Radiation Control Act 1990 and the Radiation Control Regulation 2003. It also provides administrative support to the Radiation Advisory Council.
Areas of responsibility include:
- Licensing
- licensing of persons to use radioactive substances and ionising radiation apparatus
- licensing of persons to sell and/or possess radioactive substances and ionising radiation apparatus
- Registration of apparatus, sealed source devices and premises where radioactive substances are kept or used
- Accreditation of consulting radiation experts
- Enforcement
- Radiation accidents
- maintenance of a 24-hour emergency response service
- investigation of radiation incidents
- Policy development
- provision of policy advice to the Government, Minister and EPA
- development of policies, guidelines and amendments to the Act and Regulations
- development of conditions of licences, accreditation and registration
- liaison with universities and professional associations to develop appropriate training courses
- provision of community education and advice for industry
- participation in committees developing national policy and codes of practice.
Page last updated: 16 July 2012
