Antinuclear

No charges or fines for Western Australia’s wayward radioactive capsule

Perth Now, Neve Brissenden, AAP, October 12, 2023

An investigation into the disappearance of a potentially deadly radioactive mining capsule in outback Western Australia has concluded with no charges or fines laid.

The item, measuring 8mm by 6mm, fell out of a density gauge while being trucked from a Rio Tinto mine in the Pilbara region to Perth in January.

Search crews spent six days scouring a 1400km route amid warnings the caesium-137 in the capsule could cause radiation burns or sickness if handled, and potentially dangerous levels of radiation from prolonged exposure.

The capsule was eventually found two metres from the Great Northern Highway by specialist equipment designed to pick up emitted radiation.

The truck arrived in the Perth suburb of Malaga on January 16 but it was not until nine days later that a technician realised the capsule was missing.

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The missing capsule sparked international headlines and national media coverage in addition to widespread interest in WA.

An investigation by WA’s Radiological Council found no charges or fines should be laid………………………

“Recommendations have been made about areas for improvement in gauge design and assessment and in transport of radioactive sources in WA,” the council’s chair Andrew Robertson said.

Under the Radiation Safety Act, the council said it could not release details of the investigation to “maintain security and public safety”.

“The incident was a rare event which has implications for other radiation safety bodies,” Dr Robertson said.

The Department of Health said it was sharing the findings with other jurisdictions to ensure the incident did not happen elsewhere.

Under WA laws, the maximum fine for failing to safely store or transport radioactive material is $1000.

In February, WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the government was looking at increasing the outdated and “unacceptably low” penalty……………………………………………. more https://www.perthnow.com.au/business/mining/no-charges-or-fines-for-was-wayward-radioactive-pill-c-12183902

October 15, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | legal, Western Australia