CATEGORY 112 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST Gamma Talk by Gamma Tech Self-assessment checklist: Is your practice compliant with NSW radiation regulations? By Makenzie Harris & Martina Dietrich RADIATION SAFETY If the EPA audited your practice today, would you be compliant with all NSW radiation regulations? For example, do you hold a valid Radiation Management Licence (RML) and Certificates of Compliance for each piece of radiographic equipment in your practice? Are you aware of the hefty fines and penalties that can be imposed for non-compliance? The importance of compliance cannot be overstated — it’s both a legal requirement and essential for your safety. However, we understand the challenges in finding reliable information on this topic. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. We have created a free self-assessment checklist that will help you determine if your dental practice is currently compliant with NSW radiation regulations. Take 5 minutes today and find out instantly if there are mandatory tasks you need to complete to achieve or maintain compliance, and avoid fines for non-compliance. Licences Does your practice tick the following boxes? u You hold a valid Radiation Management Licence (RML) for the practice (responsibility of the x-ray equipment owner). u All of your x-ray units are correctly documented on the RML (incl. serial numbers, work areas, equipment types, etc.). u All individuals who operate x-ray equipment hold a valid Radiation User Licence, for applicable x-ray apparatuses. Conditions and criteria can be found on the NSW EPA website. Certificate of compliance Does your practice tick the following boxes? u You have valid compliance certificates and reports for each piece of x-ray equipment, or a copy of your eConnect EPA portal assessment, if certified after July 2022. u You had a Consulting Radiation Expert (CRE) re-certify all x-ray equipment that has been relocated or had a tubehead replacement within the 5-year testing period. NOTE: In NSW, dental x-ray equipment requires compliance testing/certification after device installation and subsequently every 5 years. You are required to renew the certification if a device had a tubehead replacement, or has been relocated. Records must be kept for auditing purposes. Radiation warning signs Does your practice tick the following boxes? u Any room that is designated exclusively for the use of a dental or maxillofacial x-ray apparatus has a radiation warning sign displayed on the outside of the entry. u If there is no requirement for a radiation warning sign on the outside of the room, a radiation warning sign must be prominently displayed on, or in close proximity to the x-ray equipment. Quality assurance program If your practice owns an OPG or CBCT, do you tick the following boxes? u You have instituted a quality assurance program and follow the manufacturer guidelines regarding all services. u At least once a year, you have your OPG or CBCT fully serviced by a qualified professional (incl. a full calibration and preventive maintenance). u For auditing purposes, you keep a record of each service for your quality assurance program. Disposal of x-ray equipment If your practice has disposed of an x-ray unit, OPG, or CBCT, do you tick the following boxes? u You or the service technician cut the cables to the tubehead of the unit to render it permanently inoperable, before disposing of it. u You disposed of the unit in accordance with the conditions of your RML. u You submitted a variation request to your Radiation Management Licence through the eConnect EPA portal, stating that the unit has been decommissioned. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Gamma Tech if you have questions about NSW radiation regulations or concerns about meeting the requirements for compliance. Our team is here to support you every step of the way! u P: 0437 230 808 E: service@gammatech.com.au W: www.gammatech.com.au Can you spot radiation warning labels on or around your x-ray equipment? A private dental practice can be fined up to $27,500 (or 2 years imprisonment, or both) for noncompliance, corporations can face up to $165,000 (or 2 years imprisonment, or both).
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