REGULATORY PROBLEMS OF MEDICAL X-RAY MACHINES WITHOUT RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES FOR DISPOSING OF X-RAY MACHINES IN THAILAND

Abstract

This thesis aims to study the establishment of an organization to regulate X-ray machines, especially medical X-ray machines without radioactive materials, in Thailand and problems of supervising the possession or use of X-ray machines in Thailand, compared with safety supervision of radiation use and organization to regulate X-ray machines in foreign countries. A study of supervision of X-ray machines in Thailand revealed that the agency structure supervising legal measures for possession or use of medical X-ray machines without radioactive materials is under the aegis of two departments, the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) and the Department of Medical Sciences. This differs from nuclear and radiation regulation in Australia, Ireland, and Singapore where a single government agency acts as central core of the nuclear and radiation use regulatory framework. Regarding the disposal of X- ray machines in Thailand, there is no system for managing electrical and electronic equipment, nor does any law specifically address the subject of electronic waste.

Therefore, to regulate the possession or use of X-ray machines and disposal management of X-ray machines in an effective and safe way to preserve life and property in Thailand, current laws should be amended to specify that agencies responsible for supervising radiation safety in Thailand should be independent and include proper coordination between regulating agencies. In this way, owners or users of X-ray machines will be able to easily follow the system, by focusing on formulation of rules and regulatory methods along with clear disposal procedures for X-ray machines. In addition, imposing related sanctions will increase efficiency in law enforcement with regard to human health and environmental safety.