Overview

Whilst some jurisdictions reference lasers in their radiation protection legislation, in the Northern Territory, neither the Radiation Protection Act (2004), or the Radiation Protection Regulations (2007), specifically mention lasers. Additionally, there is no published requirement in the Northern Territory for a laser licence (ARPANSA; Northern Territory Government, 2004).

Although the Radiation Protection Act (2004) does reference non-ionising radiation, this applies only to non-ionising equipment prescribed by the Radiation Protection Regulations, which adopt the categories of non-ionising apparatus listed in Schedule 2 of the National Directory for Radiation Protection (Australian Government, 2021; Northern Territory Government, 2004, 2007). Lasers are not listed, and Schedule 2 of the current edition of the Directory no longer lists any non-ionising categories (Australian Government, 2021). Readers should confirm current requirements with NT Health's Radiation Protection unit.

However, despite no specific reference to lasers in radiation protection legislation, the Northern Territory have incorporated the model Work Health and Safety laws into legislation. The model Work Health and Safety laws help bring consistency to the regulations across Australia. The Northern Territory have integrated the model Work Health and Safety Laws through the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations (2011); these regulations help action the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act (2011). Key requirements of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations (2011) pertaining to lasers include:

Regulation 223

Regulation 223 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations (2011) applies to the person with management or control, at a workplace, of laser equipment that may create a risk to health and safety.

According to Regulation 223;

• Laser equipment intended for use on plant must be designed, constructed and installed so as to prevent accidental irradiation of any person.

• Laser equipment on plant must be protected so that any operator of the plant or other person is not exposed to direct, diffuse, reflected or secondary radiation.

• Visual equipment used for the observation or adjustment of laser equipment on plant must not create a risk to health or safety from laser rays.

• Workers operating laser equipment must be trained in the proper operation of the equipment.

• Class 3B and Class 4 lasers (within the meaning of AS 2397:2015) must not be used in construction work.

Regulation 34-39

Regulation 34-39 are not specific to lasers however is relevant to all PCBUs including those who use lasers. Under these regulations, a PCBU must

• Identify hazards

• Manage risks to health and safety

• Eliminate risks to health and safety or lower them so far as is reasonably practicable

• Maintain and review controls

• Provide readily understandable health and safety training to workers relating to the nature of the work undertaken.

Regulation 44

Regulation 44 is not specific to lasers however is a general obligation of PCBUs where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and therefore would include laser safety eyewear. The PCBU must ensure that PPE is

• Suitable to the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work

• A suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the worker who is to use or wear it

• Maintained, repaired or replaced so that it continues to minimise risk to the worker who uses it, including by ensuring that the equipment is clean and hygienic, in good working order; and used or worn by the worker so far as is reasonably practicable

• The PCBU must provide the worker with information, training and instruction in the proper use and wearing of personal protective equipment; and the storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

Regulation 46

Regulation 46 is not specific to lasers however is a general obligation of workers where PPE is required to be worn. This includes laser safety eyewear when applicable.

• The worker must use or wear the equipment in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction by the PCBU so far as the worker is reasonably able

• The worker must not intentionally misuse or damage the equipment

• The worker must inform the person conducting the business or undertaking of any damage to, defect in or need to clean or decontaminate any PPE

Author: Oliver Ried B.Vis Sci, M.Optom. Grad Cert OHS

This article is for educational purposes and does not replace the need for independent legal advice.

ARPANSA. Advice for providers: Lasers, IPL devices and LED phototherapy for cosmetic treatments and beauty therapy. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/sources-radiation/more-radiation-sources/lasers-and-intense-pulsed-light-1

Australian Government. (2021). National Directory for Radiation Protection - 2nd Edition.

Northern Territory Government. (2004). Radiation Protection Act.  Retrieved from https://legislation.nt.gov.au/en/legislation/radiation-protection-act-2004

Northern Territory Government. (2007). Radiation Protection Regulations Retrieved from https://legislation.nt.gov.au/LegislationPortal/Subordinate-Legislation/By-Title

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION)

REGULATIONS 2011,  (2011). https://legislation.nt.gov.au/LegislationPortal/Subordinate-Legislation/By-Type

Page last reviewed: September 2026