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 Some Veterinary practices may not be fully aware of the legal obligations of owning and operating x-ray equipment.

Most states/territories require periodic radiation safety compliance testing of x-ray equipment and x-ray rooms.

The following summarises the requirements in each state/territory.

X-ray equipment testing required? 

ACT:  Yes - initial set up and following changes 

NSW:  Yes - 5 yearly 

NT:  Yes - 2 yearly 

QLD:  Yes - 3 yearly 

SA: Yes - initial set up and following changes 

TAS: Yes - 4 yearly 

VIC: No

WA: No

X-ray room testing required? 

ACT:  Yes - initial set up and following changes 

NSW:  Yes - incorporated with equipment testing 

NT: Yes - 3 yearly

QLD: Yes - 5 yearly

SA: Yes - initial set up and following changes 

TAS: Yes - initial set up and following changes 

VIC: No

WA: No

As well as the compliance testing requirements, each individual or business that has, or is looking to purchase X-ray equipment, must hold a current possession licence/registration. Most states require a Radiation Safety Plan to be prepared/approved before this will be issued. The Radiation Safety Plan specifies the measures to be undertaken by the licensee to ensure that the staff and public are protected from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. Once the plan is in place, the requirements listed in it are legally required under the applicable Act. The legislation is periodically reviewed and amended and is correct as at the time of publication.

For more information on compliance testing and links to each state regulators’ website, visit our Legislation page.