N3 - Licence to use lasers

Apply for N3 - Licence to use lasers

National Environment Agency (NEA)

For Individual Users only

This licence is only for individuals with no Unique Entity Number (UEN).

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Application Details

This licence is required for applicants intending to perform or carry out work involving the use of laser apparatus.

FAQ

Do I need to apply for this licence?
This licence is required if you intend to use laser apparatus. These include, but are not limited to:
- Class 3b and Class 4 Industrial Lasers
- Class 3b and Class 4 Cosmetic Lasers
- Class 3b and Class 4 Entertainment lasers
- Embedded laser systems containing class 3b or 4 laser
- Laser pointers above regulatory clearance

You should apply for a new licence at least 2 weeks before and no earlier than 6 weeks before receiving, installing and commissioning the equipment.
What conditions do I need to fulfil?
i. To be eligible, the applicant must be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work visa.
ii. The individual must comply with the Radiation Protection Act and its subsidiary Regulations, in particular the Radiation Protection (Non-Ionising Radiation) Regulations.
iii. To use a laser irradiating apparatus, there must be a user with an N3 licence or applying for an N3 licence to use the apparatus under this application.
iv. Unless exempted by RPNSD, applicants are required to pass the relevant qualifying tests. A notification informing applicants of the test date, time and venue as well as the webpage link to the study materials will be sent to the applicants upon the processing of the submitted licence application. Study materials may be found at NEA's website. A maximum of 2 test attempts are allowed for the qualifying test, failing which the licence application will be considered unsuccessful. There will be no refund of the licence fee.
v. Medical examination is required when applying for a new user licence or when re-applying for a lapsed user licence. The Medical Certificate form can be downloaded from: https://www.eportal.nea.gov.sg > Categories > Radiation Safety > eServices and Forms > Medical Certificate Form for N3 Applications.
What supporting documents do I need to submit?
i. Certificate on Laser Safety Courses
ii. Duly completed Medical Certificate form
How soon can my application be processed?
Complete applications with the necessary supporting documents will typically be processed within 10 working days upon reception of the submission. Licence applications that require pre-licence inspections and/or licence applicants who are instructed to sit for a qualifying test may require a longer period of time (4 - 8 weeks or more).
How much does this licence cost and how long is it valid?
The licence costs $105 per year and is valid for 3, 6, 9, 12 or 24 months.
Who can I contact for further details?
For licensing enquiries, please contact the National Environment Agency Call Centre at 1800-2255632 or 1800-CALL NEA or (65) 6225 5632 (from overseas). You can also email us at contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg.
How do I change the profile information (e.g. contact details) associated with my radiation licences?
For holders of individual licences (L5, L6, R1, N3): To amend your personal details (e.g. contact number, email address), please email NEA_RPNSD_Licence@nea.gov.sg with the current information to be amended and the updated information.
How do I pay for the licence fees?
Payment may be made online via Credit Card when submitting the licence application. GIRO payment is also possible for customers with existing GIRO arrangement with RPNSD. To set up a GIRO account, please complete and submit the GIRO application form found on the NEA website: https://www.eportal.nea.gov.sg > Categories > Radiation Safety > eServices and Forms > GIRO Application Form for Radiation Licences. Cheque payment will no longer be accepted. Licence fees paid or submitted are not refundable.
Where can I find more radiation regulatory and licensing information?
You may refer to the radiation safety webpage on the NEA's website.
Where is RPNSD located?
RPNSD (Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department) is a department within the National Environment Agency (NEA). Our office is located at the 3rd Storey of the Annex Block of Environment Building at 40 Scotts Road. The nearest MRT station is Newton.

Our mailing address is:
Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department
National Environment Agency
Environment Building
3rd Storey, Annex Block
40 Scotts Road, Singapore 228231
How do I identify an RPNSD inspection officer?
All RPNSD officers doing on-site inspection will carry the NEA staff pass and an authority card which allows them to exercise the power and the duties as stated in the Radiation Protection Act and the associated Regulations.
I need more details about import and export licence. Where may I find it?
N.A.
What other things do I need to know about radiation licences?
i. There are special requirements and conditions for the use of laser for medical, aesthetics and cosmetic purposes. In particular, class 4 lasers for application on human beings can only be used by registered medical practitioners.
ii. Application for the N2 licence for an MRI facility will need to be accompanied by the 5-G line diagram and information on the quenching outlet
iii. For laser equipment used in cutting or marking of materials, take note that some of these materials (e.g. PMMA) may undergo thermal breakdown, releasing hazardous chemical controlled under the legislations administered by various Government agencies. Please ensure that the requirements stipulated under these legislations are complied with.
iv. Ultrasound equipment for application on human beings is subject to licensing controlled under the Radiation Protection Act and its Regulations, because of possible misused and potential adverse health effects.
v. All ultrasound equipment above 3 W/cm2 must be separately approved by RPNSD before it can be used on any human beings. In particular, High Intensity Focus Ultrasound Equipment cannot be used at any beauty salon
vi. Laser marking machine and laser engraving machine shall not be used at home.
vii. If Laser/Ultrasound equipment are showcased, displayed or exhibited in an exhibition/conference outside the premises of an authorised N1 holder, then the exhibition/conference organiser shall apply for N1 licence. In particular, note that laser shall not be energised unless additional authorisation have been obtained from the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department.
Which clinic should I go to get the medical check-up done?
Please bring the medical certificate form to a local medical clinic. The clinic will arrange for a blood test to be conducted. It will take a few days before the results are known. The doctor will follow up on your case, and complete the form before returning it to you. Please ensure that the doctor has indicated whether or not you are fit to engage in radiation work before you leave the clinic. You are advised to keep a copy of the medical form for your own reference. Please note that L5, L6 licences and R1 certificate holders in the NDT industry will need to undertake a blood test annually, and submit the test results to NEA during the renewal of the licences. This annual test is generally not compulsory for workers who are not in the NDT industry.

Additional Information

Fees
Licence Fees: $105 per year

Documents Needed

Medical eye-examination certificate for laser user licence applicant
Completed medical examination form
Certificate on Laser Safety Courses
Certificate on Training in using Medical laser
Other Supporting Documents
Other relevant supporting documents

Requirements

Prerequisite Licence(s)
ACRA - Registration for Companies / Business