Antinuclear

Australia’s radiation protection not good enough, especially in remote areas

Audit finds nuclear shortcomings PS News 8 May 14 An audit of the regulation of nuclear radiation and related activities in Australia has found that while the Agency responsible had been generally effective in managing key aspects of the regulatory framework, shortcomings identified in a 2005 audit had yet to be rectified.

In his audit report on the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Auditor-General, Ian McPhee found that only 11 of the 19 recommendations made by the previous 2005 audit had been implemented.

The 2005 audit found ARPANSA “did not have a systematic approach to planning, undertaking and monitoring its activities”.

“By not implementing agreed recommendations in a timely manner, ARPANSA has foregone opportunities to enhance its performance,” the Auditor-General said……..Mr McPhee said the licence assessment process could be further improved and there was also scope for ARPANSA to extend its risk‑based regulatory approach.

The audit found that aspects of the inspection process, particularly unannounced inspections, were largely driven by geographical convenience rather than risk.

He also recommended ARPANSA strengthen its approach to managing conflicts of interest, assisted by its Audit and Risk Committee.

The audit team was Stewart Ashe, Tara Rutter and Donna Burton. http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn408f6.html

May 9, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, safety