FAQs

A licence to possess an irradiating apparatus in non-functional state is required before the acquisition of an irradiating apparatus. Upon notification by the licensee that the irradiating apparatus is ready for inspection, an Inspector of the Radiation Board will inspect the irradiating apparatus to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Radiation Ordinance. A licensee shall not allow any person to operate the irradiating apparatus before the Board issues a licence for him/her to possess the irradiating apparatus in functional state.

Regulation 17(1) of the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) Regulations, Cap.303B, Laws of Hong Kong, requires that the dose rate shall not exceed 3 micrograys per hour outside the room where an irradiating apparatus is to be used.

The dose rate from an irradiating apparatus depends on:

1. The output of an irradiating apparatus, which differs from machine to machine.
2. The direction of the beam and the distance from the source, with the intensity of the x-ray decreases with the distance from the irradiating apparatus.
3. The material used in the shielding of x-ray, where lead is one of the more effective and commonly used material for diagnostic x-ray energies.

There are also other factors such as workmanship, imperfection in shielding material, and design of the room which may ultimately affect the radiation dose rate outside the x-ray room. One may refer to publications No.1, 4 & 7 of the Radiation Health Series for reference of the radiation protection requirements of x-ray rooms. For professional advice and consultancy service, one may refer to the list of Approved Certification Services.

Each model of irradiating apparatus has to be assessed and approved by the Radiation Board before it can be sold in Hong Kong. The applicant has to submit the duly completed application form together with an assessment form (with supporting documentary evidence where necessary) for each model of irradiating apparatus, together with any other documents as specified in the application form to initiate the application process.

Sections 7(1)(b) and 7(1)(c) of the Radiation Ordinance, Cap.303, Laws of Hong Kong, requires that subject to such exemptions as the Radiation Board may prescribe, no person shall, except under and in accordance with a licence issued under the Ordinance, sell or otherwise deal in or with, or possess or use any radioactive substance or irradiating apparatus in Hong Kong.

In this respect, you may refer to the interpretation of irradiating apparatus and radioactive substance in the Ordinance. If you are in doubt, you can consult the Approved Certification Services for product testing or consultancy service.