Authorising an industrial radiography installation

1. Which class?

Establishments holding radioactive sources or devices emitting ionising radiation are split into four classes. Industrial radiography is class II, except for establishments using equipment operated in a purpose-built cabin. Source: Portail Santé, establishment classes.

Class II also covers X-ray devices whose elements operate above 300 kV. Where an establishment falls into several classes, the highest applies. Source: Guichet.lu.

2. Who grants the authorisation?

For class II the application goes to the Minister of Health; administrative follow-up is handled by the Director of Health. For class III it goes to the Health Directorate. Class IV needs no authorisation but a notification to the Health Directorate at least 15 days before implementation. Source: Portail Santé, authorisation.

Authorisations are granted for a limited period, at least one year and at most ten years.

3. What the file must contain

The file describes the establishment, the nature and intensity of radiation, equipment and premises, the prior risk assessment, protection measures, the fate of retired sources, and the name and radiation protection qualification of the designated person. Source: Guichet.lu, supporting documents.

The plan must also show premises within 20 metres of the room holding the sources, and their use.

4. Acceptance testing, and the three weeks

An authorisation alone is not enough to start. Practices may only begin after an acceptance test of sources and installations, carried out at the establishment initiative, and after informing the Health Directorate that the test conclusions are compliant, within three weeks at most. The establishment bears the cost. Source: Portail Santé, conditions of use.

The test checks source encapsulation, room design and safety and warning devices.

5. RPO and RPE: who does what

Class I to III establishments seek advice from a radiation protection expert (RPE) or, under conditions, a radiation protection officer (RPO), on protection devices and instruments, plan review, acceptance testing, periodic verification of protections and instrument calibration.

For a low-risk practice in class III this is not required; the Health Directorate then publishes generic guidance.

6. Annual fee

The fee is due before 1 June each year: EUR 500 for a class II establishment, EUR 1,000 for class I and EUR 200 for class III. It is paid by transfer to the Registration, Domains and VAT Administration. Source: Guichet.lu, costs.

An authorisation lapses if the fee is not paid, among other grounds.

7. Procedure timing

Duration ranges from a few weeks to several months. The file is sent to communes within 200 metres of the source, displayed for 15 days, then returned to the Health Directorate within 45 days of receipt; the Minister then sets conditions within 15 days.

8. Contact

Source: Portail Santé, radiation protection