Protection from radiation
Goal: Protect the environment and community from health risks associated with ionising and non-ionising radiation by advising and regulating sites, mines, equipment and users of radiation.
State of the Environment South Australia 2013 observation:
Natural radiation contributes around 65% of the annual per person radiation dose to the Australian population, with 35% of the dose coming from the diagnostic use of radiation (X-rays) in health care and from radiation treatments for cancer.
The number of licences to handle radioactive substances and operate radioactive apparatus has increased, including a significant rise over the last 10 years in the number of X-ray apparatus being registered (Figure 1).
Figure 1—Applications for radioactive apparatus for 2000–14
Key achievements for 2013–14 include the following.
EPA moves to ensure a uniform national framework for radiation protection
Public consultation on the Radiation Protection and Control Bill 2013 commenced on 1 October 2013 and concluded on 30 November 2013. As part of the consultation process, the EPA held two public forums, with one presented specifically for the mining and mineral processing sector. The participants included: DSD (formerly DMITRE), South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME), and mineral sands and uranium miners. The EPA also met separately with BHP Billiton and the Australian Industry Group. The second forum was principally with the medical and industrial radiation sectors.
In total, about 20 submissions were received on the Bill. These were supportive of the purpose of the Bill and acknowledged the need for more flexible legislation. The EPA prepared a draft response to submissions, and the draft Bill was revised accordingly.
International Initiatives
The EPA is participating in a national radon measurement project comprising of members from state and national regulators, as well as uranium miners. The project was initiated to assess the suitability of current radiation dose calculations in light of new recommendations soon to be published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The EPA has contributed through provision of technical staff, equipment and laboratory facilities, and participation in field measurements at a mine.
Each year, the EPA takes part in a program to host international visits sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. In 2013–14, officers from radiation regulatory authorities in Mongolia, Madagascar and Indonesia visited the EPA to gain an understanding of mining and regulation of radioactive ores in South Australia. Experience gained from their visits will feed into the further development of uranium mining regulations in their respective countries.
Third party testing of Xray machines
The EPA has continued working to implement the four stages of the Third Party Certification (TPC) program for testing of dental, medical and veterinary X-ray apparatus:
Stage 1
Dental plain radiography X-ray units—fully implemented in 2009–10.
Stage 2
Fixed, portable and mobile Xray units used for medical, chiropractic and veterinary plain radiography—fully implemented in 2011–12.
Stage 3
Orthopantomogram, fluoroscopy and mammography X-ray apparatus—fully implemented in 2013–14.
Stage 4
Computed tomography (CT), and dental cone beam CT apparatus—fully implemented in 2013–14.
After the completion of the TPC implementation, the EPA will have an ongoing compliance role to check that all apparatus is tested by an accredited tester and any non
compliances are resolved.