On 29 June 2018, the ARPANSA CEO issued a Direction to ANSTO under section 41(1A) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the Act) to initiate an independent safety review following a series of events with safety implications at the ANSTO Health (now Health Products) facility.

The most significant event involved contamination of a worker in August 2017 that exceeded the statutory dose limits.

In accordance with the Direction, ANSTO engaged an independent review team that was approved by ARPANSA to perform the review. The team reviewed ANSTO’s approach to occupational radiation safety of processes and operational procedures at its nuclear medicine facility.

In total, the review team raised 85 recommendations to be addressed by ANSTO in an implementation plan. The ARPANSA CEO approved the implementation plan in December 2019, following the ARPANSA Nuclear Safety Committee’s and Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council’s advice on the matter.

The implementation plan prioritised actions based on the reduction of risk and the timely protection of workers. With the application of a licence condition, ARPANSA required that ANSTO report on progress of the implementation plan every six months, which has been occurring since the end of 2019. The most recent report was submitted to ARPANSA in July 2021.

After an action is considered by ANSTO to have reached practical completion, it undergoes a review and validation process prior to reporting to ARPANSA.

ARPANSA then reviews all documentation demonstrating completion. The majority of the recommendations have now been addressed and associated actions completed and validated. The remaining recommendations and associated actions are being progressed in line with agreed timeframes.

ARPANSA is generally satisfied with ANSTO’s actions to address the recommendations of the independent safety review and will continue to monitor progress of the implementation of actions to ensure the highest level of protection is achieved.

The annual report of the CEO of ARPANSA 2020-2021 was tabled in parliament on Tuesday 19 October 2021 and is now available in the Commonwealth government Transparency Portal. 

The report covers ARPANSA’s performance against financial and strategic objectives as well as our activities as a regulator and is an important tool for public information and accountability. 

Highlights include: 

• ARPANSA’s response to COVID-19  
• licencing activities and significant regulatory findings 
• updates on progress under our Electromagnetic Energy Action Plan to support research and public information on mobile telecommunications and health. 

‘With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, ARPANSA had to navigate a range of travel and workplace restrictions during the 2020-21 financial year,’ said Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson, ARPANSA CEO.  

‘With the learnings from the first half of 2020, we were able to adjust work activities to continue our work, including regulatory activities and providing vital services to healthcare providers while many of our staff worked remotely.’ 

The report also includes information on ARPANSA’s digital transformation and workforce planning activities to ensure the ongoing success of the agency.  

‘ARPANSA staff undertake a range of specialist roles that help to maintain Australia’s position as a leader in radiation protection’, said Dr Larsson, ‘we’re investing in the systems and plans required to support a sustainable, high-performing workforce into the future.’ 

Read the full ARPANSA annual report 2020-21 on the Commonwealth government Transparency Portal or on the ARPANSA website. 

ARPANSA is pleased to be collaborating with Monash University to support a PhD opportunity to investigate injuries from cosmetic use of non-ionising radiation.

The use of non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes including hair removal, body sculpting, tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation has increased in recent years and regulation varies across state and territory jurisdictions.

There is currently no national approach to regulation of devices or services using non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes and research in this space is limited.

‘Non-ionising radiation such as laser, radiofrequency and ultrasound can cause burns and injuries if not used correctly’, said Adj Assoc Prof Ken Karipidis, Assistant Director, Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA.

‘ARPANSA has developed guidance for providers and consumers to support the safe use of light-based cosmetic treatments, however there is a lack of data available to quantify the number and extent of injuries associated with these procedures.’

More research is needed on the health risks of cosmetic non-ionising radiation to determine the overall public health impact.

ARPANSA in collaboration with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) is conducting targeted research to investigate the health burden of cosmetic non-ionising radiation treatments.

‘We’re pleased to offer this PhD opportunity to support valuable research that can have a real impact on the safety of people receiving cosmetic procedures that use non-ionising radiation,’ said Assoc Prof Janneke Berecki-Gisolf, Director, Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit at MUARC.

Expressions of interest for a PhD student to undertake this research are now open through the Monash University jobs portal.

Applications close Thursday 1 November 2021.

ARPANSA regulates Commonwealth entities that use or produce radiation.  

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is one of ARPANSA’s major licence holders and has submitted an application to increase temporary storage of radioactive waste at their Lucas Heights site. 

ARPANSA CEO Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson has issued a notice of intention to make a decision in relation to the licence application. 

‘The licence application is currently open for public feedback and we are particularly interested in hearing from members of the local community in the Sutherland Shire in Greater Sydney’, said Dr Larsson. 

‘Prior to making any decision, I will consider all input gathered as part of the consultation process.’ 

ARPANSA will be hosting an online consultation forum to provide an outline of the application and the review and decision-making process. This event will provide information to interested people to support their engagement in the consultation process. 

‘The online event aims to provide information to the community about the application and the consultation process’, said Dr Larsson.  

‘Participants may then wish to make a formal submission to the consultation process.’ 

The virtual event will include presentations covering:  

• An overview of the proposed storage facility capacity increase 
• The ARPANSA regulatory assessment process for this licence application 
• Information on how to make submissions to the formal consultation  

There will also be an opportunity for questions from attendees.  

The event will take place on Wednesday 13 October from 6pm to 7.15pm AEDT.  

To register for this event, or to make a submission to the licence application consultation please view the details on our Have your Say page or contact ilwci.submission@arpansa.gov.au.

Event registrations close 5pm AEDT, Monday 11 October and consultation submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Monday 15 November.

ARPANSA has published updated diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for medical imaging.

The Australian National DRLs provide guidance to clinics on the typical radiation doses received by average-sized patients during different types of medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT) scans.

Medical imaging facilities compare the median dose for a sample of their patients to the reference level for each procedure type. This comparison helps ensure radiation exposures are minimised, without sacrificing adequate image quality for effective diagnosis of disease and injury.

The national reference levels for CT were updated in March 2021 based on data from more than 370 medical imaging providers.

The process involved a review of dose data submitted in 2019 and update of reference levels for neck, cervical spine, and kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) scans. KUB reference levels were previously based on earlier data for general abdominal scans but have now been refined based on data specifically for KUB scans. From 1 October 2021, accreditation assessors will be requiring sites to use the updated reference levels when undertaking comparisons.

‘The new reference levels show that, as expected, the actual doses being received by patients during these types of scans are lower than the reference levels published in 2018’, said Dr Peter Thomas, Director of Medical Imaging at ARPANSA.

‘This data helps the medical imaging community stay up to date with trends in exposure and provides a benchmark for continuous improvement.’

‘We’re thankful to all the clinics and providers who contribute their data to this project to ensure we can monitor radiation exposure and identify any areas of concern’, said Dr Thomas.

The new reference levels show that typical exposures to patients from CT scans are continuing to reduce as more efficient imaging techniques and technologies are developed and implemented.

The typical radiation doses from CT scans remain low.

More information on typical exposure levels for different medical imaging procedures can be found in the Current Australian diagnostic reference levels.

ARPANSA maintains an ongoing program to collect dose data from imaging providers for selected common procedures in CT and image-guided radiology.

A new data collection survey is about to commence for nuclear medicine. This data will contribute to the future update of diagnostic reference levels and help Australia continue to optimise medical radiological procedures and support patient safety.

ARPANSA has launched a new research framework to facilitate research of electromagnetic energy exposures and health. 

The framework is part of ARPANSA’s research activities under the Australian Government’s Enhanced Electromagnetic Energy (EME) program and sets out key research priorities and details how research projects will be funded.

‘The research program is open to proposals that address electromagnetic energy exposure and health,’ said EME Program Director, Sarah Loughran. 

‘This research will help ensure that Australia’s health policies and regulation continue to be based on the most up-to-date information and science,’ said Sarah. 

There are two types of projects considered in the framework: 

• Minor projects
  • Must fall within the scope of the research priorities identified in the framework
  • Funding up to $30,000
  • Applications can be submitted at any time
• Major research projects
  • Must address the research priority identified in the framework
  • Funding up to $300,000
  • Applications must be submitted 5 November 2021

‘I encourage all interested researchers to submit their proposals. EME and health is of high interest to the Australian and international community, and advancements in this area would yield great value for everyone involved,’ said Sarah. 

All applications will be assessed against the EME Program Research Proposals Assessment Criteria. Successful applications for major projects will be announced in January 2022. 

For more information, please visit the ARPANSA website. 
 

Dental imaging methods such as X-rays are routinely used as part of general dental examinations and for diagnostic purposes. Each dental imaging procedure involves exposure to a small amount of ionising radiation. 

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) have joined together to produce a factsheet for patients to explain different types of dental imaging and the associated levels of radiation exposure. 

‘The 2-page resource has been designed with the patient in mind, especially those who might be concerned about the level of radiation exposure from dental X-rays’ said Dr Peter Thomas, Director Medical Imaging at ARPANSA. 

‘Radiation exposure from dental imaging is typically very low level, and the risk of negative health effects is minimal.’ 

The factsheet focuses on the different types of X-rays commonly used in dental treatments, including bitewing, periapical and panoramic X-rays.  

It also provides an infographic comparing the radiation exposure from dental X-rays to other sources of exposure in everyday life, such as the radiation you would be exposed to during a flight from Darwin to Perth.  

‘By comparing the level of exposure from dental X-rays to everyday exposure situations, patients will be able to better understand the low level of radiation exposure from dental imaging,’ said Dr Thomas. 

‘The factsheet is now online and we encourage dental professionals in Australia to make it available to their patients.’ 

The

Further dental information is available from the ADA website.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has commenced a review of its System of Radiological Protection. The System provides recommendations for protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.  

A paper co-authored by ARPANSA CEO and former ICRP Main Commission member, Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson, advances ICRP’s journey to review and revise the System, which informs radiation protection in many countries, including Australia.   

‘While the System of recommendations has performed well, it must adapt to address changes in science and society, ensuring it remains fit-for-purpose,’ said Dr Larsson. 

‘The paper’s aim is to encourage discussion of areas that might gain the greatest benefit from review, and to initiate engagement with experts from around the globe,’ said Dr Larsson.  

Dr Larsson has handed over the reins of ARPANSA’s engagement with ICRP to Deputy CEO, Dr Gillian Hirth, who was appointed a member of ICRP’s Main Commission from 1 July.    

To support this engagement, ICRP will host a digital workshop for radiation professionals. The workshop, titled The Future of Radiological Protection, will be an opportunity for anybody with experience or knowledge of working with ionising radiation to share their views on making the System more fit for purpose. 

‘I encourage all interested members to join this workshop and participate. Making this System more fit-for-purpose will enhance its useability and support a safer radiation environment for Australians, and people all around the world,’ said Dr Hirth.  

The workshop will be held from Tuesday 19 October 2021 to Wednesday, 20 October 2021 and registration is available on the ICRP website. 

In celebration of National Science Week 2021 (14-22 August), ARPANSA will be hosting an online event ‘Mobile phones and health’, with our Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Program Director, Associate Professor Sarah Loughran.

‘With the deployment of the 5G mobile phone network, we’ve seen increased public interest in radio waves, and whether they have any negative health impacts,’ said Assoc Prof Loughran. 
The virtual event will include a presentation covering:

• the science behind mobile phones
• how ARPANSA’s radio wave safety standard protects public health
• mobile phone myth busters
• an update on ARPANSA’s EME Program. 

There will also be an opportunity for questions from attendees.

‘In this presentation I’m aiming to shed some light on how radio wave technologies work, and the strong protective measures ARPANSA recommends to ensure safety. I’m also looking forward to the Q&A session so I can answer any additional questions that people may have,’ said Assoc Prof Loughran.  

The event will take place on Friday 20 August from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Registrations for the event are open until 20 August via the National Science Week website.

This event is part of ARPANSA’s engagement in National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology.

‘We’re excited to be involved in this celebration of science and to share our knowledge of radiation and health with all Australians’, said ARPANSA Chief Radiation Health Scientist Dr Gillian Hirth.

ARPANSA will also be sharing updates and radiation science content on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter throughout Science Week.

Recruitment is currently underway for the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

The CEO will lead the Australian Government’s primary authority of radiation protection and nuclear safety and reports to Federal parliament through the Minister for Regional Health.

The role will commence in 2022, following retirement of current ARPANSA CEO, Dr Carl-Magnus Larsson.

‘I am honoured to have undertaken this role since March 2010 and look forward to handing over the reins to a new CEO’, said Dr Larsson.

‘ARPANSA plays a critical role in the protection of the public, workers and the environment through regulation, research, health advice and services. The CEO is supported by a team of highly specialised scientists and professionals to ensure a safe radiation environment for Australia.’

The CEO of ARPANSA is responsible for the regulation of Commonwealth activities involving radiation, for carrying out research in radiation protection, nuclear safety and medical use of radiation, and for exercising health protection and radiation safety obligations and powers set out in legislation.

Engagement with international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and collaboration with State and Territory radiation regulators is also a key component of the role.

Recruitment for this position is being managed by the Commonwealth Department of Health and applications close on Sunday 8 August 2021.

Read more: Chief Executive Officer