Quarterly Report

of the

Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA

October to December 2015

Quarterly Report

of the

Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA

October to December 2015

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If you would like to know more about the content of this publication please contact ARPANSA on 1800 022 333 or e-mail at info@arpansa.gov.au. Further information about ARPANSA can be found on the Agency’s website
at www.arpansa.gov.au.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities using radiation with the objective of protecting people and the environment from the harmful effect of radiation.  ARPANSA undertakes research, provides services, and
promotes national uniformity and the implementation of international best practice across all jurisdictions.

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Table of Contents

Letter of Transmittal...............................................................................................................1

Report on the Operations of the CEO and ARPANSA ..............................................................2

Outcome and Program Description ..................................................................................................2

Legislative Framework ......................................................................................................................2

Protect the public, workers and the environment from radiation exposure ...................................3

Ensure radiological and nuclear security, and emergency preparedness ........................................4

Promote the effective use of ionising radiation in medicine ...........................................................5

Ensure effective and proportionate regulation and enforcement activities....................................6

International Engagement ................................................................................................................7

Details of any breach of licence conditions by a licensee ........................................................9

Improvement notices under section 80A ................................................................................9

Facilities licensed under Part 5 of the ARPANS Act ............................................................... 10

Transport of Radioactive Material ........................................................................................ 10

Operations of the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council, the Radiation Health
Committee and the Nuclear Safety Committee .................................................................... 10

Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (RHSAC) .................................................................10

Reports to the CEO from the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (s.20(f) of the Act) ..10

Radiation Health Committee ..........................................................................................................11

Nuclear Safety Committee..............................................................................................................12

Details of Directions Given by the Minister........................................................................... 12

Details of Directions Given by the CEO ................................................................................. 12

Radioactive Material Import Permits.................................................................................... 12

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Letter of Transmittal

8 February 2016

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
Parliament House
Canberra  ACT 2600

Dear Minister

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the Act) requires the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to submit to the Minister, at the end of each quarter, a report on:

•  the operations during the quarter of the CEO, ARPANSA, the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (the Council), the Nuclear Safety Committee (the NSC) and the Radiation Health Committee (the RHC)

•  details of any direction given by the Minister under section 16 of the Act

•  details of any direction given by the CEO under section 41 of the Act

•  improvement notices given by inspectors under section 80A

•  any breach of licence conditions by a licensee, of which the CEO is aware

•  all reports received by the CEO from the Council and the NSC under Part 4, paragraphs 20(f) or
26(1)(d) of the Act, and

•  a list of all facilities licensed under Part 5 of the Act.

I am pleased to provide you with a report, meeting the requirements of the Act, covering the period
1 October to 31 December 2015.

Please note that subsection 60(6) of the Act requires you to cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of the day on which this report was given to the responsible Minister.

Yours sincerely

(Electronic signature removed)

Carl-Magnus Larsson
CEO of ARPANSA

Report on the Operations of the CEO and ARPANSA

Outcome and Program Description

ARPANSA is an agency within the Department of Health portfolio focused on delivering the outcome and program described in its Portfolio Budget Statement.

Outcome for the Australian community:

Protection of people and the environment through radiation protection and nuclear safety research, policy, advice, codes, standards, services and regulation.

To deliver this outcome, the Agency undertakes a planned set of activities collectively referred to as the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Program.

This program is made up of four components:

•  protect the public, workers and the environment from radiation exposure

•  ensure radiological and nuclear security, and emergency preparedness

•  promote the effective use of ionising radiation in medicine, and

•  ensure effective and proportionate regulation and enforcement activities.

The report on the operations of the CEO and ARPANSA is based on these components.

Legislative Framework

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the Act) establishes the office of the CEO and gives the office the responsibility of promoting uniformity of radiation protection and nuclear safety policy and practices nationally and undertaking research and services and giving advice on radiation protection, nuclear safety and medical exposure issues. The CEO is also responsible for administering a scheme to regulate the operation of nuclear installations and the management of radiation sources, including ionising material and apparatus and non-ionising apparatus, where these activities are undertaken by Commonwealth entities.

On 8 October 2015, during the quarter, amendments to the Act, which had not been updated since its original passage, came into force. The amendments:

•  adjust the licensing regime to expressly enable ARPANSA to regulate remediation activities involving contaminated legacy sites

•  clarify that ARPANSA may issue single licences for multiple facilities and/ or sources where this supports end-to end risk management and to issue time limited licences

•  clarify the application of the legislation to contractors and others working with Commonwealth entities

•  provide ARPANSA with greater capacity to respond to emergencies

•  implement a graduated response to non-compliance by making available  a wider range of monitoring and enforcement measures, and

•  update the language used in technical definitions to better reflect internationally accepted terms and concepts.

Protect the public, workers and the environment from radiation exposure

Uranium Mining and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials Industries

ARPANSA maintains the Australian National Radiation Dose Register (ANRDR) which records, stores and audits radiological dose histories for uranium industry workers in Australia. The ANRDR is receiving worker dose records from all four uranium mines that are licensed to operate in Australia: Olympic Dam, Beverley and Honeymoon (presently in caretaker mode) in South Australia, and Ranger (not presently mining but processing ore stockpiles) in the Northern Territory. The ANRDR currently holds dose history records for more than 34 800 workers from the uranium mining and milling industry. ARPANSA is continuing to work on its expansion to include occupationally exposed workers in other industries, such as mineral sands mining and processing operations and Commonwealth practices operating under an ARPANSA licence.

Monitor and Mitigate Population Exposures to Electric and Magnetic Fields and
Electromagnetic Radiation

During this quarter, there was a meeting of the Electromagnetic Energy Reference Group (EMERG). The EMERG meets twice annually to receive input from the community and other stakeholders and discuss and advise the CEO of ARPANSA on issues relating to electromagnetic energy (EME) and health. A summary of the meeting is available at: www.arpansa.gov.au/AboutUs/collaboration/emerg.cfm.

Solar Ultra Violet Radiation and Sun Protection

During this quarter, the 3rd International Conference on UV and Skin Cancer Prevention was held in Melbourne from 9 to 11 December 2015. ARPANSA was a partner and sponsor of the event. The conference attracted Australian and overseas clinicians, health promotion and education professionals, behavioural and epidemiological researchers, all with a strong interest in population- based approaches to skin cancer prevention.

The conference provided a unique opportunity to collaborate, build networks with others in the field and debate strategies to reduce the significant human and financial burden of skin cancer. International and Australian experts presented on the implication of current research programs that were addressing the impact of ultraviolet radiation on human health, the detriments and benefits of vitamin D being taken into account in skin cancer prevention programs, the effectiveness of skin cancer prevention campaigns and the principles behind screening for melanoma.

Ensure radiological and nuclear security, and emergency preparedness

ARPANSA continues to develop its own capability, and support the Australian Government and other entities’ capabilities, to deal with nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies.

IAEA Regional Training Course

ARPANSA hosted a regional training course conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Threat Assessment and a Risk Informed Approach for Nuclear Security Measures for Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material Out of Regulatory Control. This course was attended by over
20 international participants from organisations with responsibilities for nuclear security.

The purpose of the course was to provide practical experience in applying a systematic approach to the development of a National Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan for certain nuclear security activities (specifically those associated with material out of regulatory control). The course also addressed actions to reduce nuclear security risks that are informed by threat, vulnerability, and consequences. The course was very successful, and many of the participants committed to evaluate and improve the arrangements in their domestic setting.

Graduate Certificate in Radiation Security course

ARPANSA, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Department Protective Security Training College, trained seven students from across Australia as part of the Graduate Certificate in Radiation Security course.

The course provided participants with the skills and knowledge to perform the role of a Radiation Security Advisor. Candidates who successfully complete the training and assignments qualify for the Graduate Certificate and they are recommended for accreditation to state and territory government agencies responsible for regulating radiation security. As Radiation Security Advisors, they are responsible for the assessment and endorsement of radiation security plans for sources in storage, use and transport under ARPANSA’s Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (RPS11) prior to submission of the plans to regulatory bodies.

This is the second course that has been delivered by ARPANSA and the Protective Security Training College, effectively doubling the number of accredited Radiation Security Advisors available to support compliance with RPS11.

IAEA international Convex exercise

During this quarter, ARPANSA participated in an IAEA international Convex-1b exercise and an IAEA international Convex-2c exercise. The aim of these exercises is to test the coordination and communication of information and requests for advice and assistance for a hypothetical situation. Participation in these exercises also serves to test components of ARPANSA’s emergency preparedness and response plans.

International Monitoring Network

As part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), ARPANSA operates and maintains radionuclide air particulate monitoring stations in Melbourne, Perth, Townsville, Darwin, the Cocos Islands, Macquarie Island, and Mawson Base (Antarctica), together with two noble gas monitoring facilities, co-located with the air particulate monitoring stations in Melbourne and Darwin. During this quarter both of the noble gas monitoring facilities achieved full certification from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). Melbourne was certified on 30 November and Darwin on 23 December. This is a major achievement and now sees all of Australia’s radionuclide monitoring stations operating with full certification.

During this quarter, ARPANSA continued to operate the Australian CTBT Radionuclide Laboratory which is a certified laboratory for analysis of air particulate samples. A total of six such test samples were analysed by the laboratory this quarter.

Stakeholder Engagement

During this quarter, ARPANSA led the updating of AS/NZ 2243.4 Safety in Laboratories: Ionising Radiation in cooperation with Standards Australia. A draft of the updated standard was submitted to Standards Australia’s Technical Committee for review. The draft is expected to be released for public comment in the next quarter.

Promote the effective use of ionising radiation in medicine

Calibration Services

As a part of ARPANSA’s calibration services for radiotherapy providers and industry users of radiation, the Agency calibrated four survey meters, two electrometers and five ionisation chambers during the current quarter.

In October, ARPANSA replaced a kilovoltage X-ray tube and its measurement system. The new equipment enables ARPANSA to expand the calibration services to include medical diagnostic X-ray equipment.

Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service

The Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service (ACDS) is a joint initiative between the Department of Health and ARPANSA to provide an integrated national approach to promoting safety and quality in radiotherapy. The ACDS provides radiation specialists with a source of independent checks for equipment and patient doses. During this quarter, the ACDS finalised 21 audits of radiotherapy equipment which met the audit target frequency agreed to with the Department of Health.

Diagnostic Imaging

During the quarter, ARPANSA hosted a second meeting of the Nuclear Medicine (NM) liaison panel to discuss implementation of NM diagnostic reference levels. ARPANSA employed a biostatistician to improve the statistical analysis of diagnostic reference levels data. The Agency also hosted a diagnostic imaging medical physicist training day.

Stakeholder Engagement

ARPANSA met with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists as part of the joint bi-annual meeting program. Discussion included paediatric dose metrics, the ACDS, dose measurement challenges in small fields and the utilisation of patient registries to measure quality in radiation oncology. The parties agreed to expand their engagement with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, particularly, to establish a dialogue on radiation risks and the efficacy of treatment for skin conditions.

Ensure effective and proportionate regulation and enforcement activities

ARPANSA’s Regulatory Delivery Model, which provides a high level operational framework for assessing the Key Performance Indicators articulated in the Government's Regulator Performance Framework, was updated during the period to improve ARPANSA’s regulatory effectiveness and efficiency, including increased use of risk-based oversight and risk-informed decision making. A key aspect of the Regulatory Delivery Model is a revised inspection program where inspections are planned three to five years in advance depending on the relevant hazard category. Using this system, ARPANSA will effectively allocate regulatory resources proportionate to the radiation risk.

Inspections are undertaken in accordance with an Inspection Manual and a set of Performance Objectives and Criteria (POC) that cover key areas for inspection and cross cutting topics that examine human and organisational aspects of safety.

The POC helps ARPANSA to deliver a comprehensive and consistent inspection program and, importantly, allows licence holders to use the POC to inform their own internal review programs. The POC are published on the ARPANSA website at www.arpansa.gov.au/regulation/inspections/index.cfm.

Significant Licensing Activities

Regulation 51 of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 1999 (the Regulations) requires the holder of a licence to seek the CEO of ARPANSA’s approval prior to making a change to the details in the application for the licence, or a modification of the source or facility mentioned in the licence, that will have significant implications for safety.

A request under Regulation 51 of the Regulations was received from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in August 2015 to operate the Heavy Water Upgrade System for the OPAL research reactor on a routine basis. The request was approved in October 2015.

A request under Regulation 51 of the Regulations was received from ANSTO in November 2015 to change the maximum capacity level of the external liquid waste interim storage tanks used by the organisation’s Health Division. The request was approved in December 2015.

In December 2015, an inspection of training was undertaken at the OPAL research reactor. A series of performance deficiencies were identified which, if addressed, should improve training outcomes.

Prescribed Radiation Facility Licences were issued to the Australian Defence Force in October 2015, to possess and control an industrial radiography facility, and November 2015, to operate an industrial radiography facility.

In December 2015, the intermediate level radioactive waste from the reprocessing of spent fuel from ANSTO’s High Flux Australian Reactor (known as HIFAR) was repatriated to ANSTO from France. ARPANSA conducted an inspection of the Interim Waste Store built to house the cask holding the waste. The inspection covered radiation protection, configuration management, performance reporting and verification, and inspection testing and maintenance. One performance deficiency was identified relating to incomplete documentation for software validation.

Inspections

During the quarter, ARPANSA completed ten inspections in accordance with its Regulatory Delivery Model. Inspection reports are posted on the ARPANSA website at: www.arpansa.gov.au/regulation/inspections.

No non-compliances were found during the quarter, although 23 performance deficiencies were identified. These findings are provided to the licence holder to support continuous improvement. Inspection outcomes are reviewed and trended to inform the future inspection program.

Stakeholder Engagement

Key stakeholders were consulted on the development of regulatory guides for periodic safety and security reviews and the operation of Regulation 54 of the Regulations (which requires a licence holder of a nuclear installation or prescribed radiation facility to obtain approval before constructing an item that is important to safety).

International Engagement

International engagement provides the Agency with the means of leading and learning from the international radiation protection and nuclear security and safety environment. The following is a summary of key international engagement activities undertaken in the quarter.

12th Coordination Meeting of the IAEA’s Network of Analytical Laboratories for the
Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity, Monaco, 13-15 October 2015

From 13 to 15 October 2015, ARPANSA attended the annual coordination meeting of the IAEA’s network of Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA). The international network was established to improve the performance and capability of laboratories that deal with the measurement of environmental radioactivity. The meeting discussed the results of the ALMERA proficiency tests and feedback on the testing program, reviewed plans for future ALMERA activities, exchanged data among laboratories and agreed to research priorities for each of the ALMERA regional groups. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

Visit to Consejo de Sequridad Nuclear and Empresa Nacional de Residuos Radioactivos SA, Madrid, Spain, 21-27 October 2015

From 21 to 27 October, 2015, ARPANSA visited the Spanish regulatory body, the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), and the body responsible for radioactive waste management, the Empresa Nacional de Residuos Radioactivos SA (ENRESA). Topics discussed during the visit included the structure and functions of ENRESA and CSN, low and intermediate level radioactive waste (LILW) management in Spain and the regulation and operation of the LILW near-surface disposal facility ‘El Cabril’. Key outcomes of this visit include an agreement to continue sharing information and experience, and to work towards the development of a formal memorandum of understanding between ARPANSA and CSN. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

Waste Safety Standards and Radiation Safety Standards Meetings, International Atomic
Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, 2-6 November 2015

From 2 to 6 November 2015, ARPANSA participated in meetings of the IAEA’s Waste Safety Standards Committee (WASSC) (as Chair of the Committee) and the Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC). ARPANSA’s participation at WASSC and RASSC assists Australia in harmonising its
regulations with international best practice. The meetings finalised and approved Safety Requirement publications for the safety of research reactors and leadership and management for safety. The travel was funded by the IAEA and ARPANSA.

International Physical Protection Advisory Service, Wellington, New Zealand,
16-27 November 2015

From 16 to 27 November 2015, ARPANSA participated in an IAEA International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission to New Zealand which was held in Wellington. An ARPANSA staff member was invited to participate as an international expert in the regulation of the security of radioactive material and associated facilities. The IPPAS Mission evaluated and made recommendations regarding the current status of New Zealand’s physical protection regime for nuclear and other radioactive material, associated facilities and activities. The travel was funded by the IAEA.

Advanced Technical Training Programme for Radionuclide Station Operators with Noble
Gas Detection Equipment, Uppsala, Sweden, 23-27 November 2015

From 23 to 27 November 2015, ARPANSA participated in the CTBTO Advanced Technical Training Programme for Radionuclide Station Operators with Noble Gas Detection Equipment held in Uppsala, Sweden. The Technical Training Programme provided International Monitoring Station operators,
who already have experience operating noble gas detection systems, with the required in-depth knowledge and technical understanding of SAUNA noble gas monitoring systems in order to perform more complex operations and maintenance tasks. Participation at this forum ensures that ARPANSA has trained staff capable of providing the level of support required by the CTBTO in operating and maintaining Australia’s radionuclide stations in a manner that meets the requirements set out in the CTBT. This travel was jointly funded by the CTBTO and ARPANSA.

International Commission on Radiological Protection Task Group 98 Meeting and Workshop: ‘Regulatory Supervision of Legacy Sites: from Recognition to Resolution’, Oslo, Norway, 17-21 November 2015

From 17 to 21 November 2015, ARPANSA participated in the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Workshop and the first drafting meeting of the ICRP Task Group 98. The Workshop and Task Group discussions focussed on issues associated with identification of legacy sites contaminated by past industrial, military and nuclear activities and actions required for remediation and regulatory control. Australia has considerable experience in managing and regulating contaminated sites including the Maralinga nuclear test sites, former uranium mines and the Little Forest legacy site. During the Workshop a general process for remediation was developed and the Task Group agreed a draft outline for the ICRP report. This travel was funded by ARPANSA and the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority.

First Meeting of the IAEA Emergency Preparedness and Response Standards Committee
Vienna, Austria, 30 November – 2 December 2015

From 30 November to 2 December, ARPANSA attended the first meeting of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Standards Committee (EPReSC) in Vienna, Austria. This first meeting of the Committee focused on briefing representatives on the operations of all of the safety standards committees, modes of work, the current work programs and priorities and identification of key areas of cross-over and cooperation. Briefings were received from all the standing committees established under the Commission of Safety Standards (CSS), and also the Nuclear Security Guidance Committee (NSGC). This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

Training Course on Implementation of the IAEA Safety Guide on Radiation Protection and
Safety in Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation, Vienna, VIC, 2-6 November 2015

From 2 to 6 November 2015, ARPANSA chaired an IAEA training course to inform participants of the requirements of the Basic Safety Standards for the safe use of ionising radiation in medicine and to provide recommendations and guidance to regulatory bodies and medical facilities on how to implement the requirements. The training course provided IAEA Member States with an opportunity to exchange experiences and implementation approaches, to learn from good practices and to guide the IAEA on the development of further guidelines. The travel was funded by the IAEA and ARPANSA.

Details of any breach of licence conditions by a licensee

There were no breaches with safety implications recorded during the quarter.

Improvement notices under section 80A

No improvement notices were issued during the quarter. Licence holders performed in an acceptably safe manner and provided confidence that all conditions of their licence are being met.

Facilities licensed under Part 5 of the ARPANS Act

Three facilities were licensed during this quarter – see page 6 & 7, Significant Licensing Activities, for further information.

Transport of Radioactive Material

ARPANSA oversaw the effective execution of security arrangements for the repatriation of radioactive waste arising from the reprocessing of Australian spent fuel from France to ANSTO at Lucas Heights. Security arrangements took approximately 18 months to plan and involved ARPANSA working in cooperation with ANSTO and other federal and state agencies with responsibilities for security.

Operations of the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council, the
Radiation Health Committee and the Nuclear Safety Committee

Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (RHSAC)

The Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (RHSAC) met in Sydney, on 5-6 November 2015. The minutes of the meeting will be available following confirmation at: www.arpansa.gov.au/AboutUs/Committees/rhsacmt.cfm.

The Council discussed current issues in radiation protection including establishing reference levels for existing and emergency exposure situations, issues associated with purchasing and importing equipment from overseas, and ARPANSA’s regulatory and advisory roles in relation to the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility project. Members participated in a tour of the ANSTO facility at Lucas Heights including the OPAL research reactor and radioactive waste management facilities.

RHSAC reviewed their Strategic Directions and established five working groups to focus on:

•  effective and inclusive community engagement in relation to the licence assessment for the proposed national radioactive waste management facility

•  medical radiation, focusing on paediatric doses, computed tomography, breast screening and optimising radiation safety and efficaciousness in diagnostic imaging and radiation treatment

•  the extent to which a precautionary approach should be applied with respect to low doses and low exposures to ionising and non-ionising radiation

•  appropriate reference levels for public exposure in emergency and existing exposure situations

•  improving communication of public health messaging by radiation protection professionals to enable individuals and community groups to make informed decisions about radiation risks.

Reports to the CEO from the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council
(s.20(f) of the Act)

There were no reports to the CEO from the Council during this quarter.

Radiation Health Committee

The Radiation Health Committee (RHC) met on 18 November 2015 in Sydney.

The RHC discussed one public interest issue regarding public confusion over the distinction between the South Australian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission and the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

The Committee was informed that ARPANSA is continuing with its planning for an IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Mission in 2018. ARPANSA continues to encourage state and territory regulatory bodies to participate in the mission.

The RHC agreed to a new structure and format for the Radiation Protection Series publications that will provide hyperlinks to trusted international standards published by the IAEA and other expert bodies on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Early involvement in the development and review of international documents was seen as essential to ensure that Australian interests are taken into account.

The RHC noted the documents proposed to replace the current Radiation Health Series (RHS) publications and there was in-principle agreement to withdraw RHS documents when a replacement is published. It was agreed to withdraw the Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Facilities (1991) (RHS 34) immediately.

In relation to pregnant workers, members agreed for the need to clarify the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection definition of ‘occupational exposure’ that is currently being used by regulatory bodies to exclude persons incidentally exposed as a result of their employment.

The RHC considered changes to the Radiation Protection Standard for Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz (2002) (RPS3) and comments from the Tasmanian Radiation Advisory Council and the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The RHC agreed to the proposed amendment of Schedule 5 of RPS3. A preliminary assessment of whether a Regulation Impact Statement is required has been prepared for the Office of Best Practice Regulation.

The RHC discussed the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in the fitness and lifestyle industry and noted that whilst doses are low, the public may be unaware of the radiation exposure. The RHC does not support the use of DEXA for non-medical purposes.

Issues associated with labelling and mislabelling of imported lasers and laser pointers, many of which do not comply with the Australian Standard, were discussed. Tasmania has warnings on its website which members agreed could be used as the basis for a consistent form of warning by all
jurisdictions.

The minutes of the RHC meeting are available at:
www.arpansa.gov.au/AboutUs/Committees/rhcmt.cfm.

Nuclear Safety Committee

The Nuclear Safety Committee (NSC) met on 30 October 2015 in Sydney.

The main items discussed included the amendment of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act (1998), the South Australian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, Safety Performance Indicators for the OPAL reactor, and ARPANSA’s policy to adopt trusted international standards as the basis of safety codes and guides.

With regard to the South Australian Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission, the NSC agreed to provide the CEO with advice on the regulation of an expanded nuclear industry, should a government be minded to allow or promote nuclear facilities currently not in operation in Australia.

The NSC was briefed on a review of the implementation of a new ARPANSA inspection program and concluded that it was performing well while also making suggestions for further improve. The NSC requested ongoing information on the program and the findings from inspections.

The NSC was updated on operational aspects of controlled facilities and provided with information on nuclear safety matters that ARPANSA is involved in as part of its international engagement.

A summary of the meeting is available at: www.arpansa.gov.au/AboutUs/Committees/nscmt.cfm.

Details of Directions Given by the Minister

No directions were given by the Minister under section 16 of the Act during the quarter.

Details of Directions Given by the CEO

No directions were given by the CEO under section 41 of the Act during the quarter.

Radioactive Material Import Permits

The importation of radioactive material into Australia requires permission under Regulation 4R of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. The Regulations allow the responsible Minister to appoint the CEO and staff of ARPANSA to administer the regulation.

During the quarter, ARPANSA issued the following permits:

•  145 permits for the importation of non-medical radioisotopes including 87 urgent permits,
55 standard permits and three twelve month permits

•  200 permits for the importation of medical radioisotopes including two twelve-month permits and 198 single shipment permits.