How to Apply for a Radioactive Materials License

Regulatory Guide

A specific license is required in order to receive, possess, use, transfer, or acquire most radioactive materials. There are some quantities or concentrations of radioactive material that are exempt from regulation and some items that require only a general license (or registration). However, the majority of radioactive materials cannot be obtained without a specific license issued by the department. The resulting license and any right to possess or use sources of ionizing radiation granted by this license cannot be assigned or transferred to anyone else.

State law (View RCW 70.98.080 on Washington State Legislature Web site ) requires that an application must be:

• submitted in writing.
• signed by the applicant.

and must convince the department that:

• the applicant is qualified by training and experience to use the material in question for the purpose requested.
• the proposed equipment, facilities, and procedures are adequate to minimize danger to public health and safety or property.
• the issuance of the license will not be hazardous to the health and safety of the public.

The applicant must also satisfy any special requirements for the type of use.

The law also requires a pre-licensing inspection for new licensees to insure that the applicant can meet the rules, regulations and standards.

Before issuing a license to an applicant, the department must give notice of the application to the chief executive officer of the incorporated city, town, or county legislative authority if the applicant is outside the boundaries of incorporated cities or towns. The city, town, or county has the right to file written objections against the applicant within 20 days of the notice and may request a formal hearing before the department.

Reciprocity

Occasionally licensees from other states wish to come into Washington to use Radioactive Material under their own state or NRC license.  To apply for reciprocal recognition for your state's license we need:

1. A copy of your current radioactive materials license.
2. A description of the radioactive material that will be used in the state of Washington.
3. A description of the proposed use.
4. Names of the individuals who will possess and use the radioactive material while in Washington, and copies of their training certificates if they are not named on the license.  For Industrial Radiography, copies of each radiographer's "third party" certification are required in all cases.
5. Payment equal to the fee charged to in-state businesses (check payable to Department of Health).  The fee is based on the type of work you plan to perform in Washington.

If approved we will send you an authorization letter allowing you to work in Washington.  The reciprocity agreement is in effect for one year and allows you to work for up to 180 days during the one-year period.  We ask that you give us three days notice (example notice - PDF file 51.25KB) each time you enter the state to perform work.

Please send the above information and fee to:  Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection, Attn:  Pamela Walsh, P O Box 47827, Olympia, Washington 98504-7827.  If you have any questions please call (360) 236-3227 or email pamela.walsh@doh.wa.gov.

For files which require a viewer go to http://www.doh.wa.gov/viewer.htm to download a viewer.

Provisions for Small Businesses

Our primary method of reducing the burden on small businesses is to offer a discount on the annual license fee.  For information regarding the provisions for the discount refer to WAC 246-254-030.  The certificate listed below should be printed on your letterhead.

• Small Business Certification

Contact Information
 

For more information call or email the appropriate person.  Send written correspondence to the address below or fax to 360-236-2255.