If you are a non-medical X-ray registrant in the State of Florida, staying compliant with state radiation safety regulations is a regulatory requirement. The Florida Department of Health, under Control of Radiation Hazards Regulation Chapter 64E-5, outlines specific responsibilities that each registrant must meet to protect workers, the public, and your organization.

Below is a practical reminder of the Florida Rule 64E-5.303 requirements.

1. Maintain a Documented Radiation Protection Program

Florida regulations require that each registrant develop, document, and implement a Radiation Protection Program (RPP) that ensures compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 64E-5.

This program is to be:

• Written and site-specific
• Actively implemented, not just filed away
• Available for inspection upon request

In addition, related documentation must be maintained in accordance with Rule 64E-5.335, which governs radiation safety recordkeeping.

2. As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)

Registrants are required to use procedures and engineering controls based on sound radiation protection principles to keep radiation exposure ALARA:

This applies to:

• Occupational doses (employees and operators that are trained in radiation protection)
• Public doses (visitors, nearby workers, and the public)

Practical ALARA controls may include:

• Proper shielding and equipment placement
• Written operating and safety procedures
• Operator training and refresher education
• Equipment performance evaluations and surveys

Remember:  ALARA is a continuous process not a one-time checklist.

3. Annual Review Is Mandatory

Florida law requires that your Radiation Protection Program be reviewed at least once every 12 months by your site Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or qualified expert.

This review must evaluate:

• Program content
• Program implementation
• Changes in equipment, workload, or personnel
• Compliance issues or corrective actions

Failing to perform or document this annual review is a common compliance violations

Why This Matters

Non-compliance can result in:

• Regulatory citations
• Fines or enforcement actions
• Operational delays
• Increased liability in the event of an incident

More importantly, a well-maintained Radiation Protection Program protects your employees, your facility, and the public.

Applied Environmental Consulting, Inc. can help by:

If you are unsure whether your program meets Florida requirements or if it has been more than 12 months since your last review, contact us to assess what your needs are.