Products and services
Why is radiation used in industry?
Many industrial applications use ionizing radiation. This often concerns situations in which an analysis is needed of the inside of ‘something’. With the help of X-rays or with large radioactive sources, the matter is looked through. This usually has no effect on the product, the irradiated product does not become radioactive. Also the properties of the material do not change. However, the use of high-energy forms of radiation such as X-rays or radioactivity poses a risk to the company’s employees. The use of radiation in industry is therefore subject to strict regulations. Applications in industry fall under the Nuclear Energy Act (Kernenergiewet) and the provisions laid down in the Dutch Basic Safety Standards. Depending on the use of radiation a registration or license/permit may be required.
Types of applications of radiation in industry
The uses of radiation in industry are endless. Where the human eye or other measuring instruments cannot reach properly, an application with radiation is often used. Some examples:
Bottle filling and height detection
Checking soil and materials in civil engineering
Checking liquid density
Contamination detection
Sterilization of goods
Irradiation of scrap metal
Automatic sorting of goods
Checking of welds
Irradiation of goods
Legal obligations for industriële applications of radiation
Applications in industry in which radiation is used falls under the Nuclear Energy Act (Kernenergiewet) in the Netherlands. For all applications that fall under the Nuclear Energy Act, the following is mandatory:
Performing a risk analysis
Appointing a Radiation protection officer
Appointing a Radiation protection expert
Setting op a quality assurance system for working with radiation
Esuring a working method based on written protocols and procedures
Depending on the way of use, the owner must register the device with the Autoriteit Nucleaire veiligheid en Stralingsbescherming (ANVS) or apply for a license for the device. NOXX radiation safety services can help you set up the right organizational structure and prepare the right documentation for a registration or a license.
When do I need a license and when a registration?
A device that emits ionizing radiation cannot be used without authorization from the ANVS. For an industrial application, there are two types of authorizations, depending on how the device is used. In the more safe cases a registration may be sufficient. Strict conditions apply to this, which are described in the Dutch Basic safety standards. A registration is only sufficient if the risk of receiving any dose by an employee is very low or non-existent. These are often devices that are located in sealed (lead) enclosures and that cannot be removed.
Devices that spread the radiation in a more open character usually require a license. This often involves exposure to a certain degree of personnel or bystanders. The legalaties for a license are stricter and more extensive than those that apply to a registration. The company must meet a number of criteria with regard to both registration and licensing requirements before it can start the use of radiation. NOXX radiation safety services can help you with the legal implications arising from a registration or permit requirement.
Our mission is to help you
Please contact us for a free orientation meeting without obligations.
At NOXX Radiation Safety Services, our radiation protection expert is happy to visit your location for a no-obligation orientation meeting. This allows us to get acquainted in an accessible way while directly assessing your specific situation. Since radiation safety and legislation can be complex topics, we find that an in-person meeting provides greater clarity and builds trust. During the visit, our expert can give you clear explanations and lay the foundation for potential future cooperation. Seeing your application on-site also gives us valuable insights to provide the best possible advice.
Get in Touch
Would you like to schedule an orientation meeting? Feel free to contact us at +31 6 270 320 26, send an email to info@noxx-rss.com, or fill out the quotation form at the bottom of this page. We will get back to you as soon as possible.