Quarterly Report - October to December 2019

Quarterly Report of the Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA - October to December 2019

Letter of transmittal

1 April 2020

Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians
Minister for Youth and Sport
Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Minister

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the Act) requires the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to submit to the Minister, at the end of each quarter, a report on:

• the operations during the quarter of the CEO, ARPANSA, the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (the Council), the Nuclear Safety Committee (the NSC) and the Radiation Health Committee
• details of directions given by the Minister to the CEO under section 16 of the Act
• details of directions given by the CEO under section 41 of the Act
• details of improvement notices given by inspectors under section 80A of the Act
• details of any breach of licence conditions by a licensee, of which the CEO is aware
• details of all reports received by the CEO from the Council and the NSC under Part 4, paragraphs 20(f) or 26(1)(d) of the Act, and
• A list of all facilities licensed under Part 5 of the Act.

I am pleased to provide you with a report, meeting the requirements of the Act, covering the period 1 October to 31 December 2019.

Please note that subsection 60(6) of the Act requires you to cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of the day on which this report was given to you.

Yours sincerely

Carl-Magnus Larsson 
CEO of ARPANSA

The operations of the CEO and ARPANSA

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

ARPANSA sits within the Department of Health portfolio and has a single outcome, as set out in the 2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS): 

Protection of people and the environment through radiation protection and nuclear safety research, policy, advice, codes, standards, services and regulation.

The Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Program, contained within the 2019-20 PBS, describes four performance criteria, against which ARPANSA seeks to achieve its outcome. These criteria are:

• Provide high quality advice to government and the community on health, safety and environmental risks from radiation.
• Provide emergency preparedness and response systems for a radiological or nuclear incident.
• Promote patient safety in radiotherapy and diagnostic radiology.
• Ensure risk-informed and effective regulation.

The report on the operations of the CEO and ARPANSA focuses on these criteria.

Provide high quality advice to government and the community on health, safety and environmental risks from radiation

Occupational exposure to radiation

In December, the Australian National Radiation Dose Register (ANRDR) completed a project to improve the online interface for employers that use the ANRDR. The project provides a range of improvements to the user experience for external stakeholders and collects additional information related to dosimetry.

The ANRDR is a database which stores and maintains radiation dose records for workers occupationally exposed to radiation in Australia. The ANRDR currently holds dose records for around 44 000 workers. This includes full coverage of workers from all state and territory-licensed uranium mining and milling operations, and partial coverage of workers from Commonwealth licence holders, state and territory regulatory bodies, and the mineral sands mining and processing industry, as well as the medical and veterinary sectors. The ultimate goal for the ANRDR is to cover all occupationally exposed workers in Australia.

Science and Wireless Workshop 

In December, ARPANSA staff participated in the 2019 Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bio-effects Research annual Science and Wireless Workshop. The workshop communicated the latest research on electromagnetic energy (EME) and health. This year, the workshop included a technical lecture on the revised radiofrequency guidelines by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and a series of brief presentations on 5G technology. ARPANSA takes into account ICNIRP guidance in setting Australian standards and 5G is an emerging issue in Australia. Participation at the workshop was part of ARPANSA’s ongoing monitoring to understand EME and its potential health impacts.

ARPANSA submission to 5G inquiry 

In the quarter, ARPANSA provided a submission and attended a public hearing for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ 2019 Inquiry into the deployment, adoption and application of 5G in Australia. While the terms of reference of the inquiry focus on the technology and its applications, ARPANSA’s submission and subsequent hearing attendance provided factual information around some common questions from the public about the safety of 5G. ARPANSA’s submission indicated that current research indicates there is no established evidence of health effects from radio waves used in mobile telecommunications including the upcoming roll-out of the 5G network.

Commonwealth nuclear power inquiries 

ARPANSA provided a submission, following its appearance at a public hearing, for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy inquiry into the prerequisites for nuclear energy in Australia. ARPANSA’s submission addressed only those elements of the Inquiry’s terms of reference that relate to ARPANSA’s functions, in particular ARPANSA’s role as a health and safety regulator. This followed ARPANSA’s appearance at a hearing on 20 August 2019 along with energy market regulators. 

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources also held a public roundtable on the nuclear industry in Australia, which ARPANSA appeared at on 20 September 2019.

Public hearing of New South Wales Inquiry into the Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill 2019

In response to a request to appear, ARPANSA attended on 11 November a public hearing of the New South Wales Standing Committee on State Development for their Inquiry into the Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill 2019. 

International workshop on environmental impact of electromagnetic fields 

In November, ARPANSA staff attended the International Workshop ‘Environmental effects of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields: Flora and Fauna’ in Munich, Germany, organised by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection. The workshop summarised the current state of scientific knowledge on the known and possible environmental effects of electromagnetic fields on animals and plants. With the roll-out of the 5G network, there is increased public concern on the impact that the technology will have on fauna and flora and ecosystems in general. ARPANSA’s attendance at this workshop was useful to help in developing advice for concerned communities in Australia.

ARPS-ICRP Symposium

In November, ARPANSA co-hosted the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 5th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection. The annual Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) conference was also held during the symposium. The symposium, held in Adelaide, was well attended and brought together experts from around the world with a focus on radiological protection in mining, medicine and space exploration. Many ARPANSA staff had significant involvement in the symposium. The symposium was a fantastic opportunity for Australia to be involved with the global radiation protection community and was a great showcase for the world-leading work occurring at ARPANSA and across Australia.

Promote patient safety in radiotherapy and diagnostic radiology

Medical Imaging 

ARPANSA hosted an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) international workshop on establishing and operating a Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL) program and associated safety issues in the clinical environment. Twelve international applicants attended from South East Asia and the Middle East. The workshop was planned and presented by ARPANSA staff, supported by experts from the IAEA, University of Sydney, the Alfred Hospital and the Austin Health main campus. The workshop showcased Australia’s successes in implementing DRL programs to support patient safety in medical imaging and explored how such programs could be improved and implemented in other countries. 

Primary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory

ARPANSA’s Primary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory provided calibrations for six hospital radiotherapy departments and four other organisations. The International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) has released revised data for key physical quantities in radiation measurement. These data influence all calibrations of radiation measurements across the world. As a result, planning has commenced for the replacement of Australia’s key measurement standard in radiation dosimetry, a graphite calorimeter. This piece of equipment allows precise measurement of the energy delivered by a beam of ionising radiation through the detection of extremely small changes in the temperature of a specially housed block of graphite. On 30 November, ARPANSA hosted an international workshop on primary standards and dosimetry for standards laboratories in the Asia Pacific region. The workshop was attended by 25 attendees representing 8 countries. Australia is recognised as a world leader in the measurement of ionising radiation and continuing participation in such workshops allows ARPANSA to share its expertise and to learn from developments in other countries.

The Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service

The Australian Clinical Dosimetry Service (ACDS) performed the first field trial audit of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Linac therapy machine – the first of its kind in Australia. The ACDS provides all radiation oncology service providers in Australia with a source of independent checks for equipment and patient doses. The MRI-Linac poses special measurement challenges and the field trial was the culmination of several months of preparatory work. The measurements were performed successfully and the trial was highly educational for all parties. The audit development is important because there are expected to be about 15 MRI-Linacs clinically operational in Australia within a decade. 

Ensure risk-informed and effective regulation

Significant regulatory activities 

During the quarter, ARPANSA issued a number of regulatory approvals. Regulatory approvals are required prior to commencing certain activities, which can include new licences, or changes with significant potential safety impacts, or the construction of items important for safety. This quarter’s approvals included:

• Approval for a one-off change to the processing of decayed irradiated target plates, following a mechanical breakdown at the ANSTO Molybdenum-99 Production Facility. This approval was required as the standard process and safety measures could not be followed, and was required before repairs could be effected.
• Approvals for the construction of the internal shielding of the hot cell and the radiation monitoring system at the ANSTO Synroc facility, also known as the SyMo facility.

Inspections 

ARPANSA conducted 10 scheduled inspections and six site visits during the quarter. ARPANSA undertakes a program of scheduled inspections of licence holders to monitor compliance with the Act and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018 (ARPANS Regulations). The scope and frequency of inspections is determined from an assessment of the risk presented from the controlled activity and takes into account a range of factors including licence holder safety performance.

This quarter’s inspections did not identify any potential non-compliances. However, 39 areas for improvement were identified, compared with 33 in the previous quarter. Potential non-compliances indicate an area where the licence holder may not have complied with legislation or a condition of licence, such as adherence to a code. If confirmed, these are considered a breach as described in section ‘Details of any breach of licence conditions by a licensee’ of this report. Areas for improvement indicate where licence holder safety performance could be improved, such as to meet international best practice.

Inspections play an important part in ARPANSA's compliance and performance monitoring program. A well implemented, rigorous inspection program supplemented by monitoring and performance reviews provides assurances that licence holders are operating safely. The inspection reports can be found on ARPANSA’s website at www.arpansa.gov.au/regulation/inspections/reports.

Standards Development 

On 19 December 2019, a working group met with an industry reference group to discuss potential changes to the Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (RPS-11). The code sets requirements for the secure use, storage, and transport of sources, and is currently limited to sealed sources of radiation. Participants included non-destructive testing equipment suppliers, dangerous goods air transporters, and Victoria and New South Wales government representatives.

The Office of Best Practice Regulation advised that no regulatory impact statement is required for the revised Radiation Protection Standard for Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields – 3 kHz to 300 GHz (RPS 3), the amended Code for Radiation Protection in Planned Exposure Situations (RPS C-1), and the revised Safety Guide for Classification of Radioactive Waste (RPS 20). The revised Safety Guide, RPS 20 was placed on ARPANSA’s website for stakeholder comment. Consultation ends on 14 February 2020. 

Publications

ARPANSA’s Regulatory Performance Framework (RPF) annual report was published on our website in December 2019. The RPF requires all Commonwealth regulators to look at how they operate and the regulatory impact they create when administering regulation. As part of the RPF, an annual-self assessment against a set of agreed performance indicators takes place. This year’s report shows good performance by ARPANSA, meeting all six KPIs, and identified some areas where ARPANSA may focus improvement efforts. The complete report is available at https://www.arpansa.gov.au/about-us/corporate-publications/regulator-pe…;

Radioactive material import and export permits 

The import and export of radioactive material to and from Australia requires permission under Regulation 4R of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Regulation 9AD the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. Under these regulations, the Minister for Health has authorised ARPANSA officers to issue import and export permits. Permits ensure that radioactive material entering and exiting the country is subject to appropriate regulatory control. This includes a requirement that the end user is authorised to deal with the material, and that it is subject to appropriate safety and security provisions en-route and at its final destination. This material is used for a wide range of medical, industrial and scientific purposes. The efficient movement of nuclear medicine internationally is particularly important to ensure that patients receive appropriate imaging and therapy. 

Permits issued this quarter:

Transport of radioactive material

ARPANSA approves certain plans and packages for the transport of significant quantities of radioactive material by licence holders. 

ARPANSA endorsed two transport security plans this quarter. Under the Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (RPS 11, 2019), security-enhanced sources are assessed to ensure the safety and security considerations, including the transport arrangements and route, are suitable for the shipment.

International engagement

ARPANSA’s international engagement provides the agency with the means of influencing the international radiation protection and nuclear safety and security framework, and for taking stock of international developments to ensure ARPANSA’s regulatory framework and radiation protection standards are based on international best practice. The following is a summary of key international engagement activities undertaken in this quarter. 

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) – Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), 16 – 20 October 2019, Auckland, New Zealand 

The RANZCR ASM is the annual opportunity for ARPANSA to engage with large numbers of specialists who play an important role in ensuring and championing the safe use of radiation in the clinical setting. The meeting also allows ARPANSA to obtain institutional support from RANZCR for mutually beneficial work programs. The success of the relationship is demonstrated through RANZCR hosting the Radiation Protection of the Patient education package, ongoing support for the ACDS and the DRL programs, frequent requests for input into RANZCR policy positions and continual recognition of the key role of ARPANSA’s Primary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (PSDL) in ensuring safe radiation delivery through accurate radiation dosimetry across Australia. RANZCR has expressed a keen interest in ARPANSA having a significant role in a national radiation incident registry. 

Implementing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Basic Safety Standard ‘General Safety Requirement (GSR) Part 3’ in the Republic of Korea: a Bi-lateral Cooperation Project, 21 – 23 October 2019, Daejeon, Republic of Korea 

ARPANSA staff attended this workshop which shared knowledge and experience in the implementation of the IAEA GSR Part 3. This included the requirements in dealing with exemption and clearance, consumer products, construction materials, medical uses of radiation, occupational radiation protection and existing exposure situations. This workshop enables the Republic of Korea to strengthen cooperation with the IAEA to improve radiation safety practices and guidance for Member States. This travel was funded by the IAEA. 

Presentation of the report from the 66th session of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) to the 74th Session of the Fourth Committee of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, 22 – 24 October 2019, New York, USA

The Deputy CEO of ARPANSA is the Chair of UNSCEAR and presented the UNSCEAR Report to the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly. The report highlighted the mandate and scope of work of the Committee, and presented the main findings of the two scientific annexes that UNSCEAR approved in June. She also briefed the Fourth Committee on future plans and administrative issues. Delegates attending the presentation reiterated their support and appreciation of the work of UNSCEAR, and its contribution to increase the harmonised knowledge on the effects of exposure to ionising radiation. The Australian representative of the Fourth Committee tabled the draft resolution “Effects of Atomic Radiation” (A/RES/74/81). The resolution was passed by the Fourth Committee for consideration by the UN General Assembly in December. This travel was funded by UNSCEAR.

48th Meeting of the IAEA Waste Safety Standards Committee (WASSC), 28 – 30 October 2019, Vienna, Austria

ARPANSA attended this meeting which focussed on the development and publication of safety guides and strategic issues that will be very useful for regulatory management of radioactive waste in Australia and incorporation of these documents in ARPANSA’s Radiation Protection Series (RPS). The strategic work priorities of WASSC complement and support ARPANSA’s work program in developing and applying radioactive waste safety standards as part of the national uniformity program, especially for safe management of radioactive waste in Australia. This travel was funded by ARPANSA. 

Regulatory Framework of Decommissioning, Legacy Sites and Wastes from Recognition to Resolution – building optimisation into the process, 29 October to 1 November 2019, Tromso, Norway

ARPANSA participated in this workshop whose objective was to engage international experts in radioactive waste management to develop guidance on the optimisation in the management of decommissioning and legacy waste sites. ARPANSA made two presentations on the remediation of a former uranium mining site in the Northern Territory and regulatory supervision of a site containing mixed hazardous wastes at the Little Forest Legacy Site. Key issues and conclusions from the workshop were the need for an adaptive approach in regulation to address optimisation holistically, and the need for involving stakeholders at an early stage. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

39th Meeting of the IAEA Transport Safety Standards Committee (TRANSSC), 28 October to 1 November 2019, Vienna, Austria

ARPANSA attended this meeting which enables Australia to be involved in the development of international best practice standards in safe transport of radioactive material. This supports ARPANSA’s role in developing nationally uniform standards and codes specifically related to the safe transport of radioactive material. The ARPANSA Code for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material was published in 2018 and an associated ARPANSA guidance document relating to the safe transport of radioactive material is currently under review and is expected to incorporate recent TRANSSC publications on safe transport of radioactive material. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems: Working Together to Enhance Cooperation, 4 – 7 November 2019, The Hague, Netherlands

The CEO of ARPANSA and ARPANSA’s Chief Regulatory Officer participated in this conference which included sessions on the regulation of nuclear installations, safety and security of radiation sources, radiation in medicine, emergency preparedness and response, and international collaboration in nuclear and radiation safety. The CEO of ARPANSA presided over the conference and ARPANSA’s Chief Regulatory Officer gave a presentation on licensing of radiopharmaceuticals production facilities and on safety events at the Molybdenum-99 Production Facility at Lucas Heights. This travel was funded by the IAEA and ARPANSA.

47th meeting of the IAEA Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC), 20 – 22 November 2019, Vienna, Austria

ARPANSA attended this important meeting which allows Australia to contribute to, and influence, the development of safety standards for radiation protection. This in turn allows for the efficient implementation of international best practice in Australia, a requirement of the ARPANS Act. The meeting featured a Topical Session on Non-Medical Human Imaging. The strategic work priorities of RASSC complement and support ARPANSA’s work program in developing and applying radiation safety standards, including its enabling efforts to arrive at national uniformity in radiation protection. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

IAEA Occupational Radiation Protection Appraisal Service (ORPAS) Mission to Sri Lanka, 24 November to 4 December 2019, Colombo, Sri Lanka 

ARPANSA participated in an ORPAS mission in Sri Lanka. ORPAS missions are conducted as an independent appraisal service in the field of radiation protection of workers. Such an appraisal is an opportunity for a Member State to have all or some aspects of its occupational radiation protection programme independently assessed and evaluated against international safety standards. Participation provides ARPANSA with experience in international occupational radiation protection systems and IAEA guidelines on those systems. This travel was funded by the IAEA.

Integrated Regulatory Review Services (IRRS) Follow-up Mission to Indonesia, 24 November to 4 December 2019, Jakarta, Indonesia 

The CEO of ARPANSA led this IRRS Follow-Up mission to Indonesia. The CEO also led the original mission in August 2015. IRRS missions continue to be key to the development, promotion and implementation of the global framework for safety. Participation in international peer reviews provides ARPANSA with an opportunity to promote safety in the region and internationally, and learn from the experience of other regulatory bodies. The mission included a tailored module for countries embarking on nuclear power against IAEA safety criteria. Indonesia does not have nuclear power but is considering its introduction, and operates three research reactors. The use of radiation in medicine is rapidly expanding. Significant progress has been made in its national infrastructure for safety. Indonesia is expected to make the IAEA’s final mission report public. This travel was funded by the IAEA.

Second Meeting of the Joint Convention Working Group to Prepare the Fourth Extraordinary Meeting of the Contracting Parties, 25 – 29 November 2019, Vienna, Austria 

An ARPANSA officer is the Vice President to the UN Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (the Joint Convention) and has now chaired two working group meetings. This working group meeting agreed on a draft proposal for revised election processes and other draft proposals to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the peer review process along with streamlined procedural mechanisms. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

9th Meeting of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Standards Committee (EPReSC), 3 – 5 December 2019, Vienna, Austria

ARPANSA attended this committee whose work includes the production, review and input into documents produced by the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre; review of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) arrangements in documents produced by other standards committees; and setting and undertaking the strategic directions for IAEA EPR documents and safety standards. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

Expert mission to the Philippines Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) on the Development of National Regulations for Research Reactors, 3 – 5 December 2019, Manila, Philippines

ARPANSA participated in this expert mission whose main objective was to support the Nuclear Regulation Department (NRD) of the Philippines Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) in review and finalisation of the safety requirements for research reactors, and standard review plan for the safety analysis report, in the frame of the national nuclear and radiation safety framework. This travel was funded by the IAEA.

IAEA Consultancy Meeting on Training Material on Security of Radioactive Material in Use and Storage and of Associated Facilities, 9 – 13 December 2019, Vienna, Austria

ARPANSA participated in the revision of this IAEA international training course, and this meeting considered the course content of nineteen regulatory and protective security training modules, and training exercises for international students. Key outcomes of this consultancy meeting were to ensure the course provides an overview of the international legal framework for nuclear security, including examples of regulatory frameworks for the security of radioactive material based on IAEA guidance. The course develops an appreciation of the need to protect radioactive material from theft and sabotage, and provides grounding in the basic principles and methodology of drafting security regulations, security systems and security management as they relate to radioactive material. This travel was funded by the IAEA.

46th meeting of the IAEA Commission on Safety Standards (CSS) 17 – 19 December 2019, Vienna, Austria

ARPANSA’s Deputy CEO attended this CSS meeting on behalf of the CEO, the Australian Representative to the CSS. Twenty-five IAEA Members States are invited to the CSS by the IAEA Director General. At this meeting, the CSS had the opportunity to hear from the newly appointed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. CSS sets the policy direction for the five Safety Standards Committees on radiation, nuclear, waste and transport safety, and on emergency preparedness and response and advice to the nuclear security guidance committee. CSS approved four new safety guides at this meeting, and prepared its end of 6th term report which recommended seven areas for focus during the 7th term of CSS commencing April 2020. This travel was funded by ARPANSA.

Details of directions given by the Minister

No directions were given by the Minister under section 16 of the Act.

Details of directions given by the CEO

No directions were given by the CEO under section 41 of the Act.

Details of improvement notices given by inspectors

No improvement notices were issued by ARPANSA under section 80A of the Act.

Details of any breach of licence conditions by a licensee

There were no breaches with significant safety implications this quarter.

Facilities licensed under Part 5 of the ARPANS Act

No new facility licences were issued in the period.

The operations of the Council and Committees

Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council

The Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council (the Council) met on 11-12 December 2019 in Sydney. 

The Council wrote to the CEO recommending a National Approach to Skin Cancer Prevention through ultraviolet radiation protection. It was also updated on public enquiries and concerns about 5G technology.

Nominations have been sought for several general member positions, including the nominal Chair, and the member representing the interests of the general public, for terms that expire 31 March 2020.

The minutes of past meetings are on ARPANSA’s website at www.arpansa.gov.au/rhsac. The next meeting is scheduled for 17-18 March 2020 in Sydney.

Reports to the CEO from the Council under paragraph 20(f) of the Act

The RHSAC did not provide any reports to the CEO during this quarter.

Radiation Health Committee

The Radiation Health Committee (RHC) met on 13-14 November 2019 in Canberra.

The RHC approved the pursuit of the revised Radiation Protection Standard for Maximum Exposure Levels of Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz (RPS 3) as a joint Australian/New Zealand Standard. In addition, the RHC approved the Terms of Reference for the establishment of an Australian National Radiation Dose Register advisory board.

The RHC also endorsed the COAG preliminary assessment for the revised Guide for Classification of Radioactive Waste (RPS 20), and the publication of national diagnostic reference levels for coronary angiography on ARPANSA’s website.

Further information can be found in the meeting minutes which are provided online at www.arpansa.gov.au/rhc. 

The next RHC meeting will take place in Sydney on 4-5 March 2020.

Nuclear Safety Committee

The Nuclear Safety Committee (NSC) met on 1 November 2019.

Topics discussed included the performance of regulated entities, the ANSTO Safety Assurance process update and validation of the Regulatory Performance Framework Report.

The minutes of the meeting are provided online at www.arpansa.gov.au/nsc. 

The next meeting of the NSC is scheduled for 6 March 2020 in Sydney.

Reports to the CEO from the NSC under paragraph 26(1)(d) of the Act

The NSC did not provide any reports to the CEO during this quarter.