Applying For A New Licence
New practices or practices introducing x-ray apparatus for the first time must apply to the RPII for a licence. It is important that a licence “for custody & commissioning” is obtained prior to the installation of the equipment. The steps involved in applying for a licence are as follows.
1. Contact the regulatory division of the RPII requesting a licence application form.
2. Appoint a registered Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA). The RPA shall review the design and layout of the proposed facility and provide a report stating that the facility is suitable for radiography.
3. Complete the licence application and forward to the RPII accompanied by a plan of the facility, the RPA’s report and a completed risk assessment. The risk assessment must identify the hazards and risks associated with using a source of ionizing radiation, and any areas where special protective measures should be implemented to reduce exposure for all staff and members of the public. Guidance on carrying out a risk assessment is available on the RPII website but it is likely that the RPA will include the risk assessment as part of his/her report. Where possible, it is advisable to have a formal risk assessment conducted prior to building a new facility or modifying an existing facility, as this could save time and money spent on remedial work later.
4.Provided that all documentation is in order, a licence will be issued authorizing the practice to take custody of the x-ray unit(s). The licence will list details of the equipment in schedule 2, with a licensing restriction specifying “for commissioning only”. It should be noted that this restricts use of the X-ray unit(s) to commissioning & testing by the installer and the RPA. When this licence has been received, make arrangements with the supplier to have the equipment delivered, and with the RPA to have it commissioned.
5. The supplier must provide a report confirming that the unit has been correctly installed, and the RPA will issue a commissioning report. These reports must be sent to the regulatory division of the RPII, requesting that the licensing restriction be removed. Assuming that the commissioning report indicates that performance and safety of the equipment/installation is satisfactory, the RPII will issue an updated schedule 2 with the licensing exception removed.
6. The equipment may now be introduced to clinical use, subject to compliance with all licence conditions.
