Authorization and Compliance
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Authorization and Compliance
Overview
Ensuring safety and security of radiation sources
The Authorization and Compliance Division plays a critical role in protecting workers, the public, and the environment by ensuring that all facilities and activities involving ionizing radiation sources, radioactive material, and nuclear material comply with national regulatory requirements and international radiation safety standards. The Division processes the issuance, amendment, renewal, suspension, and revocation of regulatory authorizations, licences and approvals
We conduct comprehensive technical reviews and assessments of applications for licences and authorizations involving radiation sources. Our evaluations verify that applicants meet safety, security and regulatory requirements before authorization is granted with applicable conditions. We also develop guidance documents to promote consistency, transparency and clear compliance with regulatory requirements across regulated facilities.
Components
Functions of the Authorization and Compliance
Protecting People, Facilities and the Environment
Authorization and compliance form the foundation of AERA's regulatory oversight. We ensure that facilities and activities involving radiation sources operate safely, securely, and in accordance with global standards. Through rigorous reviews and assessments, the AERA licensing processes establishes conditions that protect people and ensure environmental protection while enabling the safe and beneficial use of radiation technologies.
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Ensuring Safe and Responsible Authorization
AERA's licensing process ensures that only qualified applicants are authorized to conduct activities involving radiation sources. Applications undergo detailed technical review, assessment of safety measures, facility evaluations, and verification of emergency preparedness arrangements. Authorization promotes accountability with issuance of detailed licence conditions to ensure compliance with the highest safety standards and environmental protection
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Maintaining Safety Through Continuous Oversight
Compliance monitoring provides ongoing regulatory oversight of licensed facilities and activities. Through inspections, audits, and assessments, AERA verifies adherence to licence conditions and regulatory requirements. This proactive approach identifies good practices, addresses non-compliance, and supports continuous improvement in all facilities and activities involving radiation sources to protect people, property, and the environment from radiation-related risks
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Guiding Safe and Compliant Operations
AERA develops regulatory guidelines and safety standards to help licensees meet legal requirements and implement best practices. Aligned with the Atomic Energy Act, related regulations and international standards, these documents provide practical guidance for the safe, secure and responsible use of radiation sources. They strengthen compliance, promote a strong safety culture and support operational excellence across regulated facilities
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Authorization Before You Operate
- Possession and use of radiation sources in industrial, medical, or research facilities
- Import or export of radiation sources, radioactive material
- Transport of radiation sources, radioactive or nuclear material
- Siting, construction, commissioning, operation of radiation facilities
- Manufacturing and production of radioactive material
- Mining and milling of uranium and rare earths
- Radioactive waste management and disposal
- Decommissioning of radiation facilities including mines
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Keeping Authorizations Current and Compliant
Maintaining a valid authorization is essential for continued operational safety. AERA facilitates licence renewals and amendments when activities continue beyond the authorization period or when significant changes occur. Through careful review of proposed modifications, we ensure that safety, security, and environmental protection remain fully integrated into all regulated facilities and activities that involve sources of radiation
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Process
Stages of the Authorization Process
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Notification of Facility or Activity
Applicants intending to undertake activities involving radiation sources or radioactive materials must first notify AERA. This enables the Authority to determine applicable regulatory requirements and provide guidance on the appropriate authorization process before operations begin
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Completing an Application
Following notification, AERA issues the appropriate application forms and guidance documents. Applicants must provide complete information on the proposed facility, equipment, personnel, safety arrangements, and operational activities to demonstrate readiness for regulatory review and authorization
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Technical Review and Safety Assessment Evaluation
AERA conducts a comprehensive review of each application and supporting safety documents to verify that radiation protection measures, security arrangements, operational procedures and emergency plans comply with the Atomic Energy Act and international radiation safety standards
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Pre-Authorization Inspection and Verification
Before issuing a licence, AERA may conduct an on-site inspection to verify the information provided. Inspectors assess facilities, equipment, safety systems and operational readiness to ensure regulatory requirements have been accurately represented and effectively implemented
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Licence Issuance and Authorization Conditions
When all requirements are met, AERA issues an authorization or licence specifying the approved activities and applicable conditions. Licensees must comply with these conditions throughout the authorization period to maintain safety, security, regulatory compliance and environmental protection
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Decision on Applications and Regulatory Feedback
Where an application does not meet regulatory requirements, AERA may refuse to issue an authorization. Applicants are informed of the reasons and may be required to address deficiencies, provide additional information or implement corrective measures before reapplying
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can We Help?
The Authorization and Compliance Division receives numerous enquiries from individuals, organizations, and facilities seeking information on licensing, authorization requirements, applicable fees, licensing process, regulatory obligations, and compliance with radiation safety regulations
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the authorization process and regulatory compliance requirements for radiation sources, radioactive material and radiation generating equipment. If you do not find the information you require, please contact AERA for further guidance and assistance
Contact UsWho is required to obtain a licence or authorization from the Authority
Any individual, company, institution or organization intending to possess, use, import, export, manufacture, transport, store or dispose of radiation sources, radioactive or nuclear material, or radiation equipment must obtain the appropriate license or authorization from AERA
How do I apply for the required licence or authorization
Submit the prescribed AERA application form together with all required supporting documents. Depending on the activity, you may need to provide information on radiation safety, facility design, equipment, personnel qualifications, emergency procedures and security arrangements
How long does it take for a licence application to be processed
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, completeness of the submitted information, and whether additional assessments or inspections are required. Refer to AERA's Service Charter for expected processing times for different licences
What happens if I operate a radiation facility or possess and use a radiation source without a valid licence
Operating a radiation facility or conducting a regulated activity without a valid licence is a violation of the law. AERA may impose penalties, suspend activities, seize radiation sources or take legal action under the Atomic Energy Act and related regulations
What should I do if there are changes to my licensed facility or radiation source
Notify AERA and obtain written approval before making any significant changes that may affect radiation safety, security or regulatory compliance. This includes changes to facilities, equipment, ownership, Radiation Safety Officers or the scope of authorized activities
