Radioactive Materials Program Functions

Licensure and Inspections The Radioactive Materials Program has issued more than 1,350 licenses since its inception in 1969. The Program currently has 784 active licenses and 15 sealed source manufacturer licenses in the state with the statistical breakdown as follows: 31% medical, 33% industrial type gauges, and 36% industrial other. Our license reviewers evaluate new and renewal license applications, amend and terminate licenses.

The Program on average performs 150 inspections a year, with incidents and non-routine inspections accounting for about 2% of these inspections. Each licensee has been assigned a category based on risk to the licensee and the public. Category I, i.e., an industrial radiographer, has an annual inspection frequency while on the other hand, a category VII, i.e., a consultant, has a seven-year inspection frequency. Please visit the Environmental Protection Division’s Inspection Guide for further information on what to expect from inspections.

Other Activities

• Review and approve Shielding Calculations, e.g., HDR, Cyclotrons
• Review and approve Sealed Source and Device Evaluations and issue certificates of registration
• Administer the Industrial Radiographer Examination
• Addresses public concerns and answer questions regarding radioactive material
• Provide additional educational assistance through licensing guides, notices and bulletins, workshops and seminars
• Coordinate with other regulatory agencies to provide reciprocity for their licensees performing work in Georgia

Rules And Regulations

The use of radioactive material in the State of Georgia is regulated by Chapter 391-3-17 “Rules and Regulations for Radioactive Materials” amended May 2003. The rules are revised periodically for compatibility with rules of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the State Suggested Rules for the Control of Radiation.

By law, the Program is required to conduct public hearings for comments on any Proposed Rule Making during the proposed rule phase.

Emergency Response

The Environmental Radiation Program is responsible for emergency response throughout the State of Georgia. When an emergency occurs, involving a licensee, staff from the Radioactive Materials Program assists the Environmental Radiation Program in evaluating the incident. The Radioactive Materials Program is also prepared to assist the Environmental Radiation Program with Emergency Response at facilities that are licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.