Important information before purchase, installation, and operation of radiation equipment
We help our clients avoid the potentially costly consequences of leaving the required registration process for radiation equipment to the last minute. By understanding and following the process as early as possible, clients avoid unnecessary disruption to their business operations and delays in accessing the necessary accredited compliance testing.
It’s common to hear from new grant recipients, or other medical professionals adding radiation equipment to their practice, possibly for the first time or at a new location, that they have received authorisation from the Department of Health already.
But they were unaware of the regulatory requirements overseen by the Department of Health – Radiation Safety team. We know this can be confusing to clients not from medical backgrounds (and even some who are). We’ve outlined the process below, with links to the relevant government departments and forms needed for the authorisation and registration process.
Below are the Victorian Department of Health – Radiation Safety requirements to purchase and operate radiation apparatus.
Step 1: Obtain Or Vary A Management Licence
If you don’t currently have a management licence:
Apply for and obtain a management licence from the Department of Health Victoria. We recommend you do this as early as possible as it does not apply to specific equipment but is required to purchase equipment.
This can be applied for online here: Application for a new management licence
If you already HAVE a management licence:
If a management licence has already been issued, then Department of Health will need to be notified of the new location of the equipment if it relates to a new premises, OR any change to the type and number of apparatus.
Application to vary or transfer a management licence
Step 2 Application For Registration of the X-ray unit and book in compliance testing with RadTest Australia
Once the management licence has been approved AND paid for, application can be made for registration of the X-ray unit.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Testing after registration of the X-ray unit is a mandatory requirement prior to use of that X-ray unit. A Certificate of Compliance will only be issued following a prescribed radiation safety inspection of the X-ray unit which must pass all requirements (100%) of the applicable Radiation Safety Standard
This is done via the online form here: Notification of the Acquisition, Sale or Disposal of a Radiation Source (363kb, smart form).
We recommend clients apply for registration of the X-ray unit and arrange compliance testing as soon as practicable. Obtaining the Department of Health reference number (registration) of the X-ray unit can be done as soon as the equipment details are known, ie, make, model and serial number. This information would be available from the equipment supplier(s) once the order is placed.
In this way the Department Of Health source reference number and authorisation number will be available prior to compliance testing and commencement of clinical use. This makes the process seamless and reduces the likelihood of interruptions to business operations or patient care due to unnecessary delays in the registration process.
More information
For further information and assistance, you can contact the Victorian Government Department of Health Registration and Licensing Section, Environmental Health Unit: 1300 767 469
How We Help
RadTest Australia performs the necessary reporting and testing for the authorisation, installation and operation of radiation equipment. We provide all clients with a thorough checklist that removes all the guesswork and helps get through the process without unnecessary hold ups.
This means our clients can be open for business and get on with the business of helping patients.
Ready to book in for your testing ?
Book in here and we’ll send you the checklist and book you into the calendar.