The Provincial Government’s new Radiation Health and Safety Act, 2021 and the updated regulations will take effect on December 2, 2024. The legislation governs the inspection, installation, use, maintenance and registration of equipment that produces radiation such as X-ray machines and CT scanners.

The new Act and regulations strengthen existing worker health and safety standards for the operation or installation of radiation equipment. It also formalizes processes and procedures for all workers involved in either the operation or installation of radiation equipment.

This means stronger protections will be in place for any worker who may come in contact with such equipment. For instance, the regulations provide additional safety requirements for radiology workers to follow while using this equipment. The regulations also provide additional safety requirements during installation and registration to ensure equipment is installed properly and safely before it is used.

The regulations also allow dental hygienists, as of December 2, to order, prescribe and provide radiography services.

The new Act and its updated regulations were developed after extensive targeted stakeholder consultations. It also fulfils a Mandate Letter commitment for the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.

The new regulations are now available in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

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