How to Register an X-Ray Machine in Delaware: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Delaware uses a construction approval and operating approval process for many new and changed X-ray rooms. This page puts the forms and steps in one place.
Heartland Physics can review the project scope and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover any shielding work required for this project. Use the current government sources linked below for registration, plan review, fees, inspections, and filing requirements.
Quick answer
A new facility files ORC-R1. Most new or modified installations above 70 kVp also file OE R-15A with shielding plans before construction.
Delaware issues approval to construct, then approval to operate and a registration permit after the final package and any required inspection.
Start here: forms
What to gather
Facility and owner information, including EIN or SSN
Healing-arts supervisor and Delaware professional license number
Radiation Safety Officer
Delaware-registered radiation service provider and registration number
Machine procedures, manufacturer, serial number, installation date, maximum kVp and mA, room, and status
Scaled room plan, nearby occupancy, equipment location, barrier construction, workload, and shielding calculations
Step 1: Complete ORC-R1
Enter the owner, facility, healing-arts supervisor, Radiation Safety Officer, service provider, procedures, modalities, and every machine. Sign the application. Do not send payment with it.
Step 2: Apply the 70 kVp rule
A new or modified installation above 70 kVp needs an OE R-15A plan-review package before construction.
Equipment at or below 70 kVp does not require a shielding plan; provide the room drawing and the machine and remote-switch locations when requested for facility review.
Step 3: Prepare the plan-review package
The package includes OE R-15A, a scale plan, machine and accessory locations, doors and windows, operator barrier, exposure switch, adjacent occupancy above and below, building materials, proposed shielding, and the service provider’s calculations.
CT submissions include the manufacturer’s iso-exposure curve and qualified medical physicist calculations.
Step 4: Send the construction-review package
Mail it to Delaware Office of Engineering, 43 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Use the official Office of Engineering contact page for plan-review questions. A complete application is normally processed in about two weeks.
Step 5: Wait for approval to construct
Build only after the Office of Engineering issues the Certificate of Approval to Construct. The room must match the approved plan. A major change requires a revised review.
Step 6: Send the facility registration
Mail completed ORC-R1 to Delaware Office of Radiation Control, 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. Retain a copy. The form asks applicants to allow at least three weeks for processing.
Step 7: Complete operating approval
Provide final machine information, installer records, and any documents requested by the Office of Radiation Control. Delaware may perform a pre-operational inspection. After approval, post the registration permit at the facility.
Step 8: Pay the invoice
Delaware bills the annual registration fee separately, normally in the fall. Do not include payment with ORC-R1; pay the state invoice when it arrives.
Do not make this mistake
Do not begin construction and then request approval. The engineering review is intended to approve the shielding design before the room is built.
How Heartland Physics can help
Heartland Physics can review the Delaware project and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover the shielding work. Delaware requires applicable shielding-plan work to follow its current service-provider and plan-review requirements.
State program contact
Delaware Office of Radiation Control: use the official program contact page. Office of Engineering plan review: use the official Office of Engineering contact page. Facility applications: 417 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. Plan-review packages: 43 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Source note
Source note: Use the current government sources linked on this page. Requirements, forms, fees, contacts, and procedures can change.
The state or local authority controls if a requirement changes before the next review.
For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.