Radioactive substances

The keeping and use of radioactive materials and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive wastes is controlled through the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. The Act is enforced on behalf of the Secretary of State by the Environment Agency in England and Wales.

Applying for registration

Anybody who keeps or uses radioactive materials, including mobile apparatus, must apply for registration under the Radioactive Substances Act. In granting a certificate of registration, the Environment Agency may impose such conditions as it thinks fit; these may include alterations to the premises, requirements as to apparatus or equipment used or to be used, restrictions on selling or supplying radioactive materials from the premises.

Applications under the Radioactive Substances Act

Copies of all applications, authorisations and registrations under the Radioactive Substances Act, and other relevant documentation, including details of enforcement or prohibition notices, and records of any convictions are required to be made publicly available by the Environment Agency. Register information is available on the Environment Agency website. The information is fully searchable and companies can be traced by entering various fields including Postcode, Town, Company name or Licence, registration or permit number.

Viewing the public register 

In addition a public register containing this information is maintained by the council, and updated with information from the Environment Agency, as necessary. The register is available for inspection free of charge at the Customer Services Centre during normal office hours.

Members of the public are entitled to take details of entries on the register, or request photocopies, for which a charge will be made.