Cosmetic Possession Licence

The possession of radiation sources is regulated under the Radiation Safety Act 1999 to minimise the risks associated with radiation. This includes the possession of Class 4 laser equipment.

Who needs this licence?

You will need a Possession Licence if you seek to have the overall ownership and control of Class 4 laser equipment. This licence is needed before a radiation practice can be carried out, including acquiring or using a radiation source for a cosmetic service.

Cosmetic businesses commonly possess laser equipment for services, which include:

• hair reduction
• skin rejuvenation
• capillary reduction
• tattoo removal.

See Medical radiation licenses and approvals for medical procedure applications. These medical procedures are not cosmetic services and must be performed by a medical practitioner.

Cosmetic businesses will need:

• Business licences—a person needs to hold a Possession Licence for the radiation source to take overall ownership and control of it.
• Radiation source approvals—each time before laser equipment can be purchased or otherwise obtained, the Possession Licensee will need to apply for an Approval to Acquire the equipment. This is to ensure proper safety measures are in place and to ensure all radiation sources are accounted for.
• Individual licences—a person who performs a laser cosmetic service needs to hold a Use Licence that allows them to use the laser equipment for the service.

Responsibilities of a Possession Licensee

As part of your responsibilities as the Possession Licensee you need to:

• Have an approved Radiation Safety and Protection Plan that describes what the radiation practice is, the associated risks, how risks will be managed and how safety measures will continue to remain effective. The plan needs to be readily available for all staff.
• Apply for an Approval to Acquire a radiation source every time you need to purchase or otherwise obtain new laser equipment.
• Appoint a Radiation Safety Officer for the radiation practice.
• Use the services of an Equipment and Premises Compliance Tester to assess the laser equipment and premises for compliance with safety standards (at required intervals).
• Specify which licensees can use the radiation equipment.

You are required to comply with the Radiation Safety Act 1999.

Manage cosmetic business premises

As a possession licensee, you will need to ensure the premises where radiation sources are used are compliant with the relevant safety standards. These standards set out the minimum radiation facility safety requirements as part of the health and safety requirements of Radiation Safety Act 1999.

Compliance assessment of radiation sources and premises

Use the services of an Accredited Person (Equipment and Premises Compliance Tester) to assess if your radiation source and premises are compliant with the relevant safety standards. Reassessment needs to occur periodically to verify continued compliance with the safety standards as per the legislation and your Plan.

You can search the public register for a list of individuals who are able to assess if your radiation source and premises comply with the relevant safety standard.

Apply for a cosmetic radiation Possession Licence

Application for a licence to possess a radiation source (PDF 924 kB)

Use this form if you seek to have the overall ownership and control of cosmetic laser equipment.

You can apply for a licence to possess laser equipment for cosmetic services as a corporation or an individual.

Your application needs to include:

• A proposed Radiation Safety and Protection Plan for the radiation practice
• 2 proof of identity documents (for individuals).

Licence duration

A Possession Licence can be for 1, 2 or 3 years.

Renewal applications can be made 60 days before your licence expires. You will be sent a reminder and renewal application form before your licence expires.

Fees

You will need to pay a licence fee. If you do not hold a current licence you will also need to pay an application fee.

If you currently possess a radiation source, you will need to apply and pay an additional fee for each source. This is particularly relevant if you are a licence holder from another jurisdiction moving your radiation sources into Queensland. You will need to formally acquire your sources via Queensland's legislated processes.

See Schedule of fees to determine the fee you will need to pay. Your form will only be considered a complete application once payment has been made.