This Act aims to protect the health and safety of persons and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. The Act provides for the promotion of the Radiation Protection Principle, which is the principle that persons and the environment should be protected from unnecessary exposure to radiation through the process of justification, limitation and optimization. The Act defines the functions of the Secretary of the Department of Health, which include: to exempt certain radioactive material and apparatuses from being radioactive material; regulate activities relating to the management, operation or use of radiation sources and the construction of radiation facilities through the licensing of these activities; specify radiation safety standards and radiation safety tests for the testing of prescribed radiation sources; and appoint authorized officers. The Act also sets out procedures and requirements for obtaining licences for the conduct of radiation practices, the use of radiation sources and for the construction of radiation facilities. The Act further provides for: radiation emergencies; establishment of the Radiation Advisory Committee; offences; etc.
Australia · 2005-09-20