Users of radioactive material and ionizing radiation emitting equipment require a Certificate of Registration or Licence

The Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), an Agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, is reminding its stakeholders that all users of radioactive material and ionizing radiation emitting equipment are required to possess a Certificate of Registration or Licence to possess, and use such materials and equipment.

Director General of the HSRA, Maxine Russell, informed that “in accordance with the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection, 2015 (NSRP Act), entities wishing to import or export such commodities must apply to the HSRA for the relevant permit, which can only be granted to duly authorised entities”.

The Act and its attendant Regulations, 2019 make new provisions for the regulation of activities, practices, apparatuses and facilities involving ionizing radiation and nuclear technology for the protection of people, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, and for connected matters.

Mrs. Russell added further that sources covered under the legislation include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Industrial equipment such as gauges (NUCLEAR/MOISTURE DENSITY/COMPACTION/ X-RAY), XRF/XRD analyzers, Full Scan Vehicle Imaging System and Baggage Scanners.

2. Medical and Dental equipment used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as Conventional X-ray Units, Linear Accelerators, Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Units, PET/ SPECT Scanners, Mammography Units, Fluoroscopy Units, Veterinary X-ray Units, Intra-oral and Portable Dental Unit, Whole Body Bone Densitometers, Radioisotopes.

3. Equipment used in research/education/agriculture such as research reactors and check sources.

The HSRA is requesting that all users of ionizing radiation sources listed above to contact the Authority, at info@hsra.org.jm to schedule a virtual sensitization session which is geared towards introducing the legislation and the responsibilities of all end users.

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