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Regulatory
The National Radiation Laboratory (NRL) administers the Radiation Protection Act 1965 and the Radiation Protection Regulations 1982 under delegated authority from the Minister of Health and the Director-General of Health. The legislation controls the use of irradiating apparatus and radioactive material but does not include non-ionising radiation. All decisions of the NRL are subject to appeal (see the Radiation Protection (Appeals) Regulations 1974).
The Act sets up an advisory body called the Radiation Protection Advisory Council (RPAC). The Council's functions include advising the Minister and the Director-General in respect of decisions made under the Act and on matters of policy. The RPAC has also appointed an advisory committee called the Medical Licensing Advisory Committee.
The use of radioactive materials or irradiating apparatus for any purpose is restricted to people who hold a licence or who are acting under the supervision or instructions of a licence holder. Licences may be subject to conditions and will generally be subject to compliance with a Code of safe practice.
The manufacture, sale, import, export, storage, or transport of radioactive material is only permitted with the consent of the Minister, or in compliance with the Regulations. Irradiating apparatus may only be sold to a person holding a suitable licence, and the Director-General must be notified.
The Regulations prescribe safety measures required of owners of radioactive material and irradiating apparatus, and licensees. They also set out criteria for exemption from the requirements of the Act or Regulations.