Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 480)
The purpose of Presidential Decree No. 480 is to create a Radiation Health Office within the Department of Health to regulate the use of diagnostic X-ray units, high energy machines, and other radiation apparatus in various fields to protect public health from radiation hazards.
The Department of Health is tasked with the responsibility to institute proper measures for effective control of radiation hazards through the Radiation Health Office.
The Radiation Health Office prescribes measures to regulate diagnostic X-Ray units, high energy machines, and non-ionizing radiation devices such as microwave ovens, lasers, and similar apparatus, except those involving radioactive materials under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission.
No, equipment and devices involving radioactive materials are regulated by the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission as provided under R.A. No. 5207 and are excluded from the Radiation Health Office’s jurisdiction under PD No. 480.
The key functions include regulating the production, import, and export of radiation-emitting apparatus, requiring registration of such devices, inspecting these devices in private and government premises, issuing protective rules for radiation workers, maintaining a National Radiation Standard Section, assisting in training radiation workers, and collecting and disseminating radiation protection information.
All radiation apparatus currently used in medicine or other purposes must be registered within six months from the effectivity of the decree.
The Radiation Health Office shall cooperate and coordinate with governmental and private entities, as well as international organizations involved in radiation-related activities.
An initial amount of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) was appropriated from the National Treasury to carry out the functions of the Radiation Health Office.
Any provisions of law, decree, order, rules, or regulations inconsistent with PD No. 480 are repealed, revised, or amended accordingly.
Presidential Decree No. 480 took effect immediately upon its signing on June 6, 1974.