As of December 1, 2021 the Alberta Association for Safety Partnerships (AASP Radiation Health) was designated as an Authorized Radiation Health Registration Agency under the Radiation Protection Program. The equipment that AASP Radiation Health has been responsible for and continues to be responsible to register.

• Class 3b and Class 4 lasers
• Baggage Inspection
• Cabinet X-ray
• Security
• Whole Body Scanners
• Stationary Radiographic (including Dental)
• Mobile Radiographic
• Analytical/Diffraction X-ray
• XRF Stationary Closed Beam Analytical
• Computed Tomography
• Industrial Radiographic (may require ARPIA inspection if Approved
• Code of Practice** has not been developed & approved)
• LIBS Handheld Lasers (Laser Safety Training Certificate Required in lieu of ARPIA inspection)
• Handheld x-ray fluorescence analyzers (XRF Operators MUST be certified through the Canadian Non-Destructive Testing Personnel Certification Program administered by Natural Resources Canada. Proof of this certification (NRCan) is required for provincial registration of these analyzers – therefore, ARPIA inspection is not required)

A Registration Certificate for Designated Radiation Equipment will be issued by AASP-Radiation Health upon receipt of:

1. Completed application form
2. Book an Inspection with an ARPIA – Authorized Radiation Protection Inpsection Agency
3. Pay associated fees (AASP Registration Fee and Inspection Fee to an ARPIA

However, should a piece of equipment be taken out of service that has an “active” Certificate of Registration the employer should notify the Registrar at AASP Radiation Health to ensure record accuracy.

Radiation equipment in storage and not capable of being energized does not require a registration certificate.

In Alberta, Under the new OHS Act, and OHS Codes the Radiation Protection Act and its regulations have been incorporated into the OHS Act and OHS Code. Alberta had an excellent radiation protection program and the laws governing it will remain intact by incorporating the same requirements into the OHS Act and OHS Code.

This Registration Package is required for Radiation Emitting Devices operated in the following types of facilities within the Province of Alberta:

Registration Package Contents:

The most significant change in the laws is in the administration of the laws governing how certain designated radiation equipment in commercial, personal health services, industrial, educational, research, correctional and entertainment facilities must be inspected and registered. With the governance switch from “administrative agreements” to “agency designations” and the new enforcement mechanism using OHS officers to ensure compliance with the new OHS Act and OHS Code. Non-compliance with the OHS Act and OHS Code will come through OHS officers and the tools provided in the legislation.

The second most significant change is the requirement for the “employer” to obtain a registration certificate for the equipment rather than the “owner”. This language change was necessary to harmonize with the OHS legislation. This will ensure registration certificates always follow the equipment, such as when equipment is out for demonstration or rental situations.

As stated in Part 20 Radiation Exposure.

Designated radiation equipment — registration certificate required.

Section 4.2 Inspections:

Code of practice for portable radiation equipment (industrial radiography and laser light show temporary work sites). Where it is not feasible for an inspection agency to conduct an in person inspection of portable industrial radiography or laser light show entertainment equipment, a code of practice approved by the inspection agency may be used to satisfy the inspection requirement. To provide context, under these work conditions, engineering controls may be limited and strict adherence to administrative controls by a work site party is necessary to reduce the likelihood of radiation incidents including unintentional exposures. In order to be approved, a code of practice, must:

• contain practical guidance on the safe use of the equipment;
• contain safe working and operating procedures for the equipment;
• include actions to be taken in emergency situations; and
• take into consideration any relevant requirements in Part 3 and Part 20 of the OHS Code including the content of any applicable standards referenced in Part 20 of the OHS Code (such as Health Canada Safety Code 34 or ANSI Standard Z136.1)

An inspection agency, at its discretion and where feasible, may physically inspect the portable radiation equipment in conjunction with reviewing a code of practice.