News


  • 2 Dec 2021 10:26 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    ERA will organise a new webinar on 20th January 2022 @10:00 Brussels time. 

    The webinar will consist of 45 min presentation and 15 min QA. You can register using the following link: 

    https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IOUqa5E3T4W0pimFw8YDjQ  

    Title: Recent developments in radon progeny measurement and dosimetry

    Speaker: Andrew Yule, Science Officer - Monitoring and Emergency Response Section Radiation Health Services (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency)

    Abstract: 

    For several decades, radon progeny dosimetry was a relatively simple endeavour due to the ICRP recommendation to use the dose conversion convention (in ICRP publication 65) to calculate the radiation dose from any exposure to radon progeny. The ICRP now recommend the use of dose conversion factors (DCFs) based on the ICRP respiratory system model (in ICRP publication 137), which has raised many important questions about radon progeny dosimetry. While various aspects of these changes are under active consideration around the world, ARPANSA has focused on the practical impact of the changes. This has involved attempting to answer the following questions:

    How do you actually measure the DCF?

    Do the DCF’s suggested by the ICRP match real world conditions?

    Are the recommended DCF’s still appropriate as mining technology advances?

    Is there a place for site specific dose conversion factors, and if so where?

    In order to address these questions, we have developed new equipment and methods to provide accurate data in real world situations. Despite the challenges involved in working with nano-scale aerosols we have made significant progress which will be of interest to those involved in radon progeny measurement, dosimetry and regulation.

  • 2 Dec 2021 10:22 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    ARPANSA has released a draft advisory note on the public health considerations for disposal of radioactive waste.

    The advisory note informs how health and well-being will be considered as part of licence applications such as those relating to the government’s proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF).

    ARPANSA is inviting interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the advisory note through an online consultation process.

    ‘This advisory note establishes an inclusive approach to community engagement when assessing potential impacts on health and well-being,’ said Dr Rick Tinker, Director Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA.

    ‘It is important that regulatory decisions take into account relevant social and psychosocial considerations in making an overall assessment of health impact.’

    ‘We are seeking input from industry, regulators, government and members of the public to engage in the consultation process.’

    The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) has announced an intention to establish a NRWMF in Napandee, near Kimba in South Australia. ARPANSA has not yet received any licence applications relating to the NRWMF. 

    The development of this advisory note forms part of ARPANSA’s preparations in anticipation of receiving a siting licence application in the coming years. 

    To provide feedback on the content of the advisory note, please fill out the form available on the Have Your Say section of ARPANSA’s website.

    Submissions close at 5pm AEDT on Wednesday 15 December.

    The advisory note will support ARPANSA’s role as the independent regulator of Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation and ensure that community safety and wellbeing remain at the core of our work.

  • 2 Dec 2021 10:15 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    The Radiation Health Committee (RHC), established under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 has the role of advising the CEO and the Radiation Health & Safety Advisory Council on matters relating to radiation protection, including formulating draft national policies, codes and standards for consideration by the Commonwealth, States and Territories.

    The RHC is seeking views on a new standard aimed at establishing a consistent approach to equipment compliance testing across States and Territories. The consultation is open until 31 January 2022 and is available on the ARPANSA website (https://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiation-health-committee-compliance-testing-standard). The RHC would be grateful if you could pass this on to your members for their awareness.

    Please do not hesitate to contact the RHC Secretariat at rhc@arpansa.gov.au if you require further information.

  • 25 Nov 2021 10:19 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    The Radiation Health Committee is seeking any views on a new standard aimed at establishing a consistent approach to equipment compliance testing across States and Territories.

    Consultation tabs

    Start/End Date: 

    Tuesday 9 November 2021 - 14:00 to Friday 10 December 2021 - 17:00

    Compliance testing, to confirm the radiation safety and performance of diagnostic and interventional X-ray units, is carried out to various extents in all jurisdictions. The results of the tests can be used by regulators as a basis for registering the units or for authorising use. Compliance standards can also be used to specify requirements for new units, for on-going performance testing, and for signalling when units are no longer compliant and may need remedial action or replacement.

    The draft standard has been written on the basis of four modalities (Computed Tomography, mammography, fluoroscopy, and general X-ray equipment) and is designed so that it can be revised in future with the addition of requirements for other modalities.

    You may use the online webform available below or submit your comments via email to rhc@arpansa.gov.au.

    Here is the link:

    https://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiation-health-committee-compliance-testing-standard

  • 15 Oct 2021 10:07 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    ¨IRPA Perspective on "Reasonableness" in the Optimisation of Radiation Protection¨, has been published and can be accessed from the link below.

    Link to file

    ¨IRPA Perspective on "Reasonableness" in the Optimisation of Radiation Protection¨ is addressed to all radiation protection professionals and organisations involved across all fields of protection, as well as other interested parties involved in optimisation of protection.

    This IRPA document is the result of an extensive work that included two consultations to which a total of 14 Associate Societies responded, covering a wide geographical base and representing around 80% of the total IRPA membership of individual professionals, and also several international/national organisations responded to invitations to comment on the second consultation.

  • 7 Oct 2021 10:08 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    Consultation is now open on the National Strategy for Radiation Safety and Implementation Plan.

    Date published: 6 October 2021

    The draft National Strategy for Radiation Safety and Implementation Plan has been released for a period of public consultation by the Department of Health. The department is seeking feedback from stakeholders and users of radiation technologies through online submissions until Tuesday, 7 December 2021.

    Developed in partnership with the states and territories, the draft National Strategy for Radiation Safety and Implementation Plan aims to develop a consistent approach to radiation protection across Australia. It focuses on bringing the existing elements of radiation safety together to ensure a more cohesive and harmonised approach is followed across the country.

    You can provide your feedback via the Department of Health’s Consultation Hub.

  • 13 Sep 2021 12:37 PM | Matthew (Administrator)

    ARPS is seeking feedback and input on the future of radiological protection.

    Drew Watson and Brent LeVert are representatives of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) and participants of a task group of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA).

    The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has taken the first step on the journey towards new general recommendation with the publication of a paper  Keeping the ICRP Recommendations Fit for Purpose.

    We kindly ask that you consider the ‘future of radiological protection’ and provide your feedback as follows:

    a.            General comments
    b.            Specific comments, with reference to line/lines in ICRP paper (link above).

    c.             Additional issues that should be considered by the ICRP - with rationale.
    d.            Thoughts on direction for improvement of the system.
    e.            Other

    The aim at this stage is not to capture the details of every aspect of the revision of the System of Protection but rather to focus on the bigger picture as this is the first step of a long process that will take 6 – 8 years.

    Please provide your feedback via email to secretariat@arps.org.au; preferably by the 20th September 2021.

    An ICRP workshop on the Future of Radiological Protection will take place on 19 – 20 October. This will be accessible online, see https://mailchimp.icrp.org/the-future-of-radiological-protection

    It is the aim of IRPA to present feedback from the task group at the workshop
  • 30 Aug 2021 4:12 PM | Matthew (Administrator)

    Science & Technology Australia invites candidates for several positions on there Board.

    To nominate, the nominee must be a member of an STA ordinary member (non-affiliate). You can find the full list of eligible organisations here.

    They are seeking outstanding candidates to make an active, thoughtful, skilled and principled contribution to STA.

    In line with our Reconciliation Action Plan commitments, we particularly welcome nominations from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    They are also seeking nominations from candidates with experience or qualifications in law/governance, financial management, or HR.

    STA encourages candidates from other traditionally under-represented groups including people with disability, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and strong cultural diversity.

    Candidates from the historically under-represented States/Territories – especially Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Western Australia – are also encouraged to nominate.

    Positions currently vacant 
    They are currently accepting nominations for the following Cluster Group representatives (you will find a position description for the roles here) for two-year appointments to the STA Board:

    • Aquatic Sciences*
    • Medical and Cognitive Sciences*
    • General member representative (Non-disciplinary based. Must be a member of an ordinary member in any cluster and a member of or employed by a member in the General Cluster)

    *Must be a member of an ordinary member in the cluster for which you nominate.

    Before nominating, please read the position description for STA Board Members. It outlines responsibilities and time commitments. Please also note that nominees must sign a declaration that their cluster-aligned membership organisation is aware of their nomination.

    Nominations can be made online here.

    KEY DATES

    • 30 August 2021 – Applications open
    • 1 October 2021 – Applications close
    • 4-15 October 2020 – Cluster Elections
    • 28 October 2020 – Announcement of new Cluster Representatives
    Any questions please contact the STA staff at info@sta.org.au.
  • 27 Aug 2021 10:14 AM | Matthew (Administrator)

    The NSW Government is reviewing the Act to ensure that the objectives of the Act are still valid and the terms of the Act are able to secure those objectives.

    The Act regulates radioactive substances and equipment in New South Wales, to ensure that radiation is used, stored and disposed of safely.

    The EPA has responsibilities under the Act, including issuing licences to manage or use radioactive substances and equipment, and regulating radiation practices in NSW.

    The EPA has developed an Issues Paper as part of the review of the Act, in consultation with the Radiation Advisory Council and NSW government agencies. The Issues Paper will help individuals and organisations to provide submissions on the review of the Act.

    Matters addressed in the Issues Paper include:

    • Policy objectives of the Act
    • Authorisation of radiation practices
    • Security of radioactive sources
    • Enforcement provisions
    • Radiation Advisory Council
    The Issues Paper can be accessed at https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/radiation-control-act-review, where you may complete a survey or make a submission.

    The consultation is open until 20 September 2021.

    If you have any questions, please contact us at radiation.reform@epa.nsw.gov.au
  • 6 Aug 2021 4:50 PM | Matthew (Administrator)

    The AIP is hosting exciting presentation for National Science Week. Check it out by following:

    https://www.aip.org.au/event-4436525

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