AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Fluoroscopes Ordinance 1958

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

No. 3 of 1958

	This Ordinance has been introduced to provide machinery for the surveillance and control of the installation and operation of certain equipment utilising the principle of irradiation by x-rays.  The provisions do not apply to certain specialised persons and institutions such as Radiologists and Universities.

	Other persons may install and operate such equipment if the approval of the Director-General of Health is obtained for the controlled use of machines specified in the approval.  In view of the special dangers latent in the use of fluoroscopic equipment for the fitting of footwear these machines are prohibited.  Such equipment, commonly known as pedescopes may have harmful genetic effects, especially when used on children.  Whilst it has not been possible to assess accurate the potential dangers from this type of equipment they are very real and authorities are unanimous in recommending that their use be discontinued.

	The Director-General must be notified of existing equipment not exempted from the provisions of the Ordinance.  Non-exempt persons refused approval to operate equipment may appeal to the Court for review of the decision.