The purpose of the legislation is to establish a framework to protect the health and safety of people and protect the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation while allowing for its safe and beneficial use. The legislation also enables New Zealand to meet some of its international obligations relating to protection, radiation safety and security, and nuclear non-proliferation. For information about non-ionising radiation, including on 5G networks, please visit Non-ionising fields on Health New Zealand's website.
Key requirements of the Radiation Safety Act 2016
The legislation requires the following:
- Managing entities of radiation sources must hold a Source licence authorising them to manage and control those sources.
- Managing entities must register controlled radiation sources with the Office of Radiation Safety.
- Individual users of radiation sources must hold a Use licence unless their use is otherwise authorised by the Act or regulations.
- Consent is required for anyone who wishes to import or export radioactive material.
