Under the Radiation Protection Act, Chapter 228 (RPA), a "radioactive material" is defined as any material containing a radioactive substance giving it a specific or total radioactivity greater than 70 becquerels per gram (70 Bq/g) (0.002 u(i/g) or 70 kBq/kg.

Under the RPA a controlled apparatus is defined as:

• a)     an apparatus that produces ionising radiation when energised or that would, if assembled or repaired, be capable of producing ionising radiation when energised;

• b)     an apparatus that produces ionising radiation because it contains radioactive material; and

• c)     an apparatus prescribed by regulations made under this Act that produces harmful non-ionising radiation when energised.

The RPA can be found on the SHENA website and the Attorney General's Chambers website. 

The radiation activities that are required to be licensed are as follows:

• a)     Import and export of radioactive material and/or controlled apparatus;

• b)     Use, handling, storage, or disposal of radioactive material and/or controlled apparatus;

• c)     Manufacture of radioactive material and/or controlled apparatus;

• d)     Transport of radioactive material; and

• e)     Sale of radioactive material and/or controlled apparatus.

Please consult the General Requirements for Radiation Licence Application Guideline Rev 2.0. A link to the guideline will be provided once it is issued.

The Licensee is defined as the individual responsible for the licence. This person must hold a managerial position or a higher within the company. Licensees are subject to legal duties under the RPA. For more details, please refer to Section 10 of the RPA.

Licensees are required to submit a license amendment application to SHENA when the proposed changes may impact radiation safety in the workplace. Relevant changes that necessitate an application include, but are not limited to, the following:

• a)     Alterations to the type of radiation activities conducted;

• b)     Modifications to licensee details;

• c)     Changes to the particulars of licensed radioactive materials and/or controlled apparatus;

• d)     Adjustments related to the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO); and

• e)     Revisions to the Radiation Protection Programme (RPP) or the Security of Radioactive Material Programme (SRMP).

In accordance with Section 6(2) and Section 7(2) of the RPA, it is mandatory for any individual or business entity engaged in the sale of radioactive material or controlled apparatus to immediately notify SHENA of the transaction. This notification must include the name, address and prescribed particulars of the purchaser.  

Furthermore, any individual or business entity intending to sell radioactive material or controlled apparatus is required to obtain the appropriate licence under the RPA prior to the sale.

Failure to comply with these provisions constitutes an offence and carries strict penalties upon conviction:

• -  For individuals: a fine of up to $100,000 imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both;

• -  For business entity: a fine of not more than $10,000,000.

No, it is not permissible to share fixed storage facilities that are currently in use with other companies.

Yes, logistics companies are required to obtain a licence in accordance with Section 6(1)(d) of the RPA.

Transporters holding the appropriate licence may carry unlimited quantities of radioactive materials, provided that they do not exceed the maximum activity levels specified in their licence.

Facilities that carry out operations involving ionising radiation should be licensed with SHENA. Being licensed means that operators must follow procedures that minimise risks to the public and the environment.

If you suspect that you have been overexposed to ionising radiation, you should:

• a)     Seek immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.

• b)     If you are a radiation worker, it is advisable to contact SHENA for further assistance.

• c)     Bring along any relevant supporting documentation. 

Every licensee is required to: ​

• ·    Ensure the protection of all employees from exposure to radiation: section 10(2)(a) of the RPA).

• ·    Provide sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision: section 10(2)(b) of the RPA.

• ·    Facilitate medical examinations for all employees: Section 10(2)(e) of the RPA.