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Thursday, 12 May 2011
Page: 2561

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

(Question No. 569)

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research , upon notice, on 4 April 2011:

With reference to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the recommendations of the Comcare report: Subsequent to investigating the case of Mr David Reid, Comcare recommended that ANSTO engage a competent person to undertake systematic monitoring of all workplaces that undertake radiopharmaceutical operations to ensure ongoing compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 and Safety Arrangements Regulations, therefore, have the following actions been implemented, and in respect of each action: (a) if so, to what extent; and (b) if not, why not.

(1) Engage or direct a qualified person who has specialist knowledge of hazardous substances and demonstrated competency in managing risks associated with hazardous substances, to oversee an ongoing system of auditing to ensure that radiopharmaceutical operations maintain appropriate systems of work to ensure the future health and safety of radiopharmaceutical employees is appropriately managed.

(2) Provide ongoing documented evidence to Comcare that systematic monitoring is occurring as outlined above.

(3) Audit its consultative protocols with persons involved in radiopharmaceutical operations from time to time to ensure its policies and procedures are effectively carried out buy its employees to ensure ongoing compliance with the Act and regulations and ANSTO health and safety requirements.

(4) Audit its record-keeping procedures to ensure that appropriate information is recoded, maintained and retained in relation to the health and safety of employees engaged in radiopharmaceutical operations.

(5) Ensure that notifiable incidents are reported to Comcare in accordance with the relevant legislation (section 68 of the Act and regulations 37A and 37B of the Safety Arrangements Regulations).

Senator Carr: The answer to the honourable s enator ' s question is as follows:

As previously advised to the Economics Legislation Committee at Additional Estimates on 23 February 2011, (Hansard reference E 22), the Report of Investigation by Comcare is currently under review. Accordingly, it has been agreed between ANSTO and Comcare that ANSTO's responses to any recommendations are in abeyance pending the findings of the review.