If you own x-ray equipment, it's important to understand the regulations and requirements surrounding the use of ionising radiation. One key aspect of these regulations is the requirement for a Radiation Management Licence (RML).
In this blog post, we will dive into why obtaining an EPA radiation licence in New South Wales is not only a legal requirement, but also a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of those who come into contact with your equipment, and the consequences of operating your x-ray units without a valid RML.
Ionising radiation can be hazardous and pose a risk to human health and the environment if not properly managed. An RML ensures that organisations that operate or manage sources of ionising radiation, including dental x-ray equipment, have the necessary measures in place to control and minimise exposure to ionising radiation.
The licence is issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) . It authorises the possession, use, transfer, and disposal of these sources in compliance with federal and state regulations, protecting both the operators and the public.
If your dental practice owns and operates radiographic equipment, the person responsible for the regulated material must
Secondly, it is also required that every x-ray unit, OPG, or CBCT in the practice is registered and listed on the licence, and that each unit holds a valid Certificate of Compliance .
The licence should be acquired before installing your x-ray equipment, and it is recommended to apply for it well in advance, as the issuance process may take several weeks.
The application can be submitted through eConnect EPA , the Environment Protection Authority’s online licence management tool. You’ll find all relevant information pertaining to your application, including requirements, conditions, and fees, HERE.
During this process, you will also have the opportunity to register the radiographic equipment at your practice onto your licence. To do so, it is important to have the necessary information for each unit, such as serial numbers and model names, readily available and documented. This information can typically be found on stickers on the tubehead and main control box. If this information is not yet available, it can be added later.
If you already have a Radiation Management Licence and need to make any changes, you may also submit the necessary variations through eConnect EPA .
It is important to note that a Radiation Management Licence and a Radiation User Licence are two separate and distinct licences. A Radiation User Licence is necessary for individuals who operate radiographic equipment within the practice. Terms and conditions apply for each of the different modalities.
If you operate the x-ray units in your dental practice, check out the conditions and criteria for Radiation User Licences in New South Wales HERE .
