Nuclear soil moisture/density gauges utilise radioactive sources for the measurement of the moisture content and density of soils, concrete, asphalt and other road base type materials, and as such their acquisition, use, transport, storage and maintenance is regulated and controlled by legislation in all Australian States, Territories and the Commonwealth.

The radiation safety legislation of the State, Territory or Commonwealth jurisdiction in which a person is working may require that person to hold an authorization from the relevant regulatory authority. Particular consideration will need to be given in the case where a person may need to cross a State/Territory/Commonwealth border or Boundary.

The following information is intended to provide basic information for intending purchasers of nuclear soil moisture-density gauges, and is based on the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Portable Density / Moisture Gauges Containing Radioactive Sources (2004). Please contact the Regulatory Authority in your jurisdiction for specific requirements.

Most jurisdictions require that persons or organisations that acquire and use gauges:

be appropriately licensed, usually to possess and to use radioactive sources; appoint a qualified Radiation Safety Officer (RSO); maintain an approved radioactive materials store for storage of gauges when not in use; provide approved personal radiation monitoring devices to all operators; have an approved radiation survey meter available to monitor gamma radiation levels; implement and maintain a documented Radiation Management Plan; transport gauges in accordance with the Transport Code; display approved signage on gauges, stores, vehicles and test sites; be accountable for all radioactive sources under his/her control at all times; maintain records for each radioactive source under his/her control; conduct annual audits. In addition, most jurisdictions require that all nuclear soil moisture/density gauges containing radioactive sources be approved by the Regulatory Authority and conform to the Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Portable Density / Moisture Gauges Containing Radioactive Sources (2004).

Most jurisdictions also require that all nuclear soil moisture/density gauges and their radioactive sources be registered with the Regulatory Authority, and approval may be required to acquire, sell, give away, relocate or dispose of the gauge.

Regulatory Authorities

Commonwealth Director, Regulatory Branch
ARPANSA
PO Box 655 Tel: (02) 9541 8333
Miranda NSW 1490 Fax: (02) 9541 8348
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Australian Capital Territory Manager Radiation Safety
Radiation Safety Section
ACT Health
Locked Bag 5 Tel: (02) 6207 6946
Weston Creek ACT 2611 Fax: (02) 6207 6966
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New South Wales Director Radiation Control
Department of Environment and Conservation
PO Box A290 Tel: (02) 9995 5959
Sydney South NSW 1232 Fax: (02) 9995 6603
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Web: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/radiation/index.htm

Northern Territory Manager – Radiation Health
Radiation Health Section
Department of Health and Community Services
GPO Box 40596 Tel: (08) 8922 7489
Casuarina NT 0811 Fax: (08) 8922 7334
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Queensland Director, Radiation Health
Department of Health
450 Gregory Terrace Tel: (07) 3406 8000
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Fax: (07) 3406 8030
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South Australia Director, Radiation Protection Division
Environment Protection Authority
PO Box 721 Tel: (08) 8130 0700
Kent Town SA 5071 Fax: (08) 8130 0777
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Tasmania Senior Health Physicist
Health Physics Branch
Department of Health and Human Services
GPO Box 125B Tel: (03) 6222 7256
Hobart TAS 7001 Fax: (03) 6222 7257
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Victoria Manager, Radiation Safety Program
Department of Human Services
GPO Box 4057 Tel: (03) 9637 4167
Melbourne VIC 3001 Fax: (03) 9637 4508
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Western Australia Secretary, Radiological Council
Locked Bag 2006 Tel: (08) 9346 2260
Nedlands WA 6009 Fax: (08) 9381 1423
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