Code of Practice for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology ORS C1

Scope

C1 2024 applies to radiation practices associated with radiological equipment used for diagnostic radiology procedures, interventional radiology procedures, and the use of cone beam computed tomography enabled equipment in dentistry and research. Practices include manufacture, possess, control, manage, use, service and repair, transport, store, import, export, sell, supply and disposal of equipment.

Compliance with C1 2024 does not imply compliance in related areas such as health practitioners’ clinical competence, occupational safety, hazards in the workplace, resource management and transport of hazardous substances. 

Consultation and notification

In September 2023, the Ministry of Health reviewed the now revoked C1 2018 and concluded that revisions were required. In August 2024, a second round of consultation was conducted on the changes made to the public consultation version of C1 as a result of the submissions received. 

On 19 November 2024, the Director for Radiation Safety gave notice in the New Zealand Gazette that C1 2024 is issued and comes into force on 1 December 2024.

Changes in C1 2024

Holder of a source licence

C1 2024 replaces the term ‘managing entity’ used in the revoked C1 2018 with terms referred to in the Act. In almost all cases, the new term used is ‘holder of a source licence’.

Equipment requirements

C1 2024 no longer provides a definitive set of tests and conditions that must be met irrespective of the local clinical situation. The C1 2024 equipment-related safety and performance requirements must now be established by the source licence holder, in conjunction with clinical staff and a medical physics expert, that are specific to the local situation. Equipment reference values must be recorded, regularly reviewed, and be made readily available for compliance monitoring purposes. The holder of a source licence is also required to use the equipment reference values to remedy equipment, or suspend the use of equipment, that is operating outside of acceptable performance parameters based on its reference values.  

Training and authorisation

C1 2024 introduces explicit training requirements for people who are appointed by the holder of a source licence to perform the radiation protection and safety roles required by C1 2024. Explicit training requirements for a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) have been set out in a new Appendix 2. 

Radiation shielding approvals

C1 2024 introduces a new requirement for the holder of a source licence to ensure that a medical physics expert, or another qualified expert, approves all radiation shielding installed as part of a place or structure.  

Standards and conditions for continuous individual monitoring of workers

C1 2024 alters the obligations of the holder of a source licence when it comes to the continuous individual monitoring of radiation doses to workers. Also, the holder of a source licence is required, to the extent practicable, to use a dose monitoring provider that is accredited to an appropriate standard. Continuous individual monitoring is now required if a worker may receive three tenths of a radiation dose limit. 

Justification of occupational and public exposures

C1 2024 introduces an explicit requirement for the holder of a source licence to consider occupational and public exposures, as well as patient exposures, when justifying each radiological exposure. This change means that the fundamental requirement set out in section 9(1) of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 are fully reflected in the justification requirements of C4 2024. 

Other changes

C1 2024 makes a significant number of technical clarifications and wording changes to improve readability, clarity of meaning, and to adopt the terminology used in the Act.  

What this means for clinical practice

The Director for Radiation Safety has aimed to make the minimal amount of change for the people who must comply with C1 2024 while addressing the issues raised in the review of the now revoked C1 2018. 

Guidance notes

The changes made in C1 2024 mean that the Diagnostic X-ray Testing Frequency Guidelines (G1 2021)  and the Compliance Guide for Dental Radiology including Dental Cone Beam CT: ORS G4 (G4 2021)  have been superseded. The Director for Radiation Safety intends to publish updated guidance to compliment C1 2024 in due course.  Please contact [email protected] if you require a copy of a superseded compliance guide. 

Application of revoked C1 2018

On 1 December 2024, ORS C1 2018 was revoked. The provisions of the revoked C1 2018 no longer apply. However, the provisions of the revoked C1 2018 may apply to any matter that occurred while it was in force from 9 November 2018 to 31 October 2024. 

MIL OSI