Handling radioactive substances

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

Anybody who keeps or uses radioactive materials, including mobile apparatus, must apply for registration under the act.

Copies of all applications, authorisations and registrations under the act and other relevant documentation, including details of enforcement or prohibition notices and records of any convictions, must be publicly available by the Environment Agency in the form of a public register.

This information is available on the Environment Agency website.

The information is fully searchable and companies can be traced by entering information in various fields, including:

  • postcode
  • town
  • company name or licence
  • registration or permit number.