Industrial radiography Use Licence

The industrial radiography industry uses radiation sources for a range of purposes, including:

• industrial radiography
• measurement of density of timber structures
• pipeline radiography
• tracking and control of pipeline crawler X-ray equipment
• inspection of objects
• inspection of pipes or vessels.

The use of radiation sources to carry out a radiation practice is regulated under the Radiation Safety Act 1999 to minimise the risks associated with radiation. This includes radiation sources used for industrial radiography.

Industrial radiography sources include:

• laser and ionising radiation equipment
• sealed radioactive substances.

Who needs this licence?

You will need this licence if you seek to use a radiation source for industrial radiography.

People using radiation sources in the industrial radiography industry include:

• industrial radiographers
• non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians.

You do not need a Use Licence if you are helping a Use Licensee to perform industrial radiography. The Use Licensee will need to be present and personally supervise these activities.

Licence exemption

You do not need to hold a Transport Licence if you hold a licence to use radioactive substances for industrial radiography.

Responsibilities of a Use Licensee

As part of your responsibilities as a Use Licensee you will need to:

• only use a radiation source for the practice described in your Use Licence
• only use a radiation source if the Possession Licensee has specified that you may
• comply with the Possession Licensee’s approved Radiation Safety and Protection Plan for the radiation practice and your individual responsibilities detailed in it
• comply with the Possession Licensee's approved Security Plan.

You are required to comply with Radiation Safety Act 1999.

Apply for an industrial radiography Use Licence

You can apply for a standard Use Licence or a licence to use security enhanced sources for industrial radiography:

• Licence to use a radiation source for industrial radiography
• Licence to use a security enhanced source.

Your application needs to include:

• 2 proof of identity documents
• verification that you have completed a radiation safety course approved by Radiation Health
• a certified copy of your qualifications and training
• work visa and immigration papers (if applicable)
• evidence of your competency and experience using the radiation source, for example:
  1. a copy of your training record (for trainees)
     AND
  2. a letter stating your achieved level of competency from your licensed supervisor in the type of industrial radiography for the Use Licence you require.
• For example, for industrial radiography crawler equipment your letter will need to specify your experience using both the X-ray pipeline crawler and the sealed radioactive substances in pipeline crawler control devices.
  OR
  1. a copy of an equivalent licence issued by another Australian jurisdiction (needs to be current)
     AND
  2. written verification of your experience using the equipment from a current or previous employer.

Required training and competency

You will need to demonstrate that you have undergone both theoretical and practical training using the radiation source safely and effectively for industrial radiography.

Knowledge and practical competencies

To be granted a Use Licence you will need to have both basic and specific knowledge of radiation safety and protection for industrial radiography.

Knowledge competencies for radiation safety and protection include:

• properties and effects of ionising radiation
• principles of radiation protection
• principles of personal radiation monitoring.

Practical competencies for the safe use of radiation sources include:

• assess and reassess risks and hazards during radiation use and transport
• operate the radiation source using correct and safe methods
• use and care for personal protective equipment, safety devices and radiation monitoring equipment
• conduct routine maintenance of equipment and devices
• measure, monitor, and interpret radiation measurements
• conduct operational and functional checks on equipment and associated devices
• store and transport radioactive substances
• maintain security of radioactive substances
• incident response.

Training record

You can submit your training records as part of the evidence of your supervised experience using the radiation source for industrial radiography.

If you choose to submit your training record you will need to ensure it includes the following information:

• type of service
• when it was done (date and duration)
• context of the service (for example: pipeline, workshop, enclosed premises)
• supervisor name and licence number.

Your supervisor will determine when you are considered competent to perform industrial radiography. At a minimum, you need to have completed 300 hours using the type of radiation apparatus for industrial radiography.

Licence duration

A Use 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.

See schedule of fees to determine the fee you will need to pay.

If you are applying for a licence to use a security enhanced source, you will need to pay an additional fee for the required security and criminal history check.

Licence to use a radiation source for industrial radiography

Application for a Licence to Use a Radiation Source (PDF 922 kB)

Use this form if you seek to use a radiation source for industrial radiography.

Licence to use a security enhanced source

Application for a Licence to Use a Radiation Source (PDF 922 kB)

Application for a Criminal History Check and Security Check (PDF 872 kB)

Use these forms if you seek to use a security enhanced source for industrial radiography.

These radiation sources pose a significant risk and have additional security requirements that need to be met before your application can be assessed. You need this security clearance before your licence can be granted.

Licence application process for security enhanced sources:

1. Submit your applications (both application forms are required).
2. A security and criminal history check is conducted.
3. Your application is assessed (if your security clearance is granted).
4. You are granted a licence (if your application is successful).

You may also need

• Overview of radiation roles and responsibilities
• Certified copies of documents