When you are considering purchasing a handheld XRF analyser, you will need to know the licencing requirements for the State or Territory that regulates you. Let’s look at some of the facts you need to know.
Licencing your XRF
Handheld (or Field Portable) XRFs contain a miniature X-ray tube, which means the instrument is classified as an Ionising Radiation Apparatus. These require licencing to own and to use, no matter where you are.
Licence to Posses
In Western Australia, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and New Zealand, you need a Licence to Possess to own an XRF. This licence is called various names by the Regulators, but they are essentially the same type of licence. This licence is issued by the State Regulators in the location where you use the analyser. For example, your office is in Perth, WA, but you use the XRF in SA and QLD, then you would need Possession Licences in SA and QLD, and WA if you store the instrument there when not in use. Licences are issued after application, payment and for a nominated period.
Licence to Use
You will need a Licence to Use the XRF issued by the Regulator in the State or Territory you will use the XRF. To obtain a Licence to Use, you will need to sit through approved training, usually conducted by the company who supplied your instrument. For those who use analysers across borders, you can usually obtain a licence to use for a different State easily through the Mutual Recognition program (check with your State). Licences are issued after application, payment and for a nominated period.
Create a Radiation Management Plan
Depending on where your Licence to Possess is applied for, you may need to create a Radiation Management Plan (RMP, or RSPP in QLD) for your application to be approved. RMPs can be created if you know what you are doing here, or you can purchase templates off the shelf to customise for your company.
Nominate a Radiation Safety Officer
Normally, a Licence to Possess will require the nomination of a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). This is someone who has made themselves aware of the requirements of the Regulator for compliance with licencing and will nominate themselves to ensure the company is complying with those requirements.
Radiation Compliance Checks
QLD, NT and SA require regular radiation compliance checks to be performed on the radiation emitting device to ensure it remains safe to use. These are usually performed by an accredited person using an approved radiation dosimeter and by checking that certain in-built safety features of the analyser remain in working order. You will need to check with your State regulator how often these checks should be undertaken, but they vary from every 3 months to once every 3 years.
State and Territory Regulators
WA – Radiological Council – https://www.radiologicalcouncil.wa.gov.au/Licences
NSW – EPA NSW – https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/radiation
VIC – Department of Health VIC – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/radiation/licensing
SA – EPA SA – https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/business_and_industry/radiation
QLD – Queensland Health – https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/licences/radiation-licensing
NT – Department of Health NT – https://nt.gov.au/industry/licences/radiation-licence-forms
TAS – Department of Health – https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/radiation-protection/applying-new-licence-or-amending-current-radiation-licence
New Zealand – ORS (NZ) – https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/radiation
Portable Scientific is here to help
At Portable Scientific, we have experience in assisting clients with licencing in all States and Territories in Australia and New Zealand. If you are not sure, check with us. We even offer services in Radiation Compliance checks, creation of Radiation Management Plans and help with completion of Licencing Forms.
For more help or information on XRF analysers, phone us on 0409707816
Or email us at [email protected]
Learn more about using XRF today.