Licence to possess a radiation source
The requirement to hold a licence to possess a radiation source, under section 33A of the RPC Act, came into force on 1 July 2012. This requires owners (people and organisations) to hold a licence to possess a registrable ionising radiation apparatus, a commercial cosmetic tanning unit, a registrable sealed radioactive source or occupy premises where unsealed radioactive substances are handled or kept.
People and organisations intending to take possession of a radiation source must obtain a licence before taking possession. Holders of a ‘licence to possess’ include universities, hospitals, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, geological survey companies, industrial radiography companies and engineering companies. People and organisations who are subject to radiation protection standards and controls required under sections 23A, 24 or 29A of the RPC Act are not required to hold a licence under section 33A. This implements a commitment by South Australia under the National Directory for Radiation Protection. In 201314, the level of compliance with this provision was high.