Australian Department of Defense, Today I have released the findings of a review of Defence policy and procedures for the management of tritium light sources. The review was undertaken by Defence, led by First Assistant Secretary Policy Development Mr Neil Orme, with support from specialists in the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Assistance was also provided to the review team by the Queensland Health Scientific Service (QHSS) and Comcare.
The Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force have accepted all 21 recommendations made by the review, which will significantly tighten measures for the management of tritium light sources.
The advice from experts in Defence, ARPANSA and QHSS is that tritium light sources present an insignificant health risk to personnel, provided operators and maintainers adhere to simple precautionary measures. There is no statistically significant evidence in the scientific or medical literature to suggest a link between exposure to tritium contamination and cancer at the low doses to which the employees at Bulimba were exposed.
The review found evidence of lack of knowledge, complacency and poor work practices in Defence’s management of tritium light sources. It did not find evidence of a deliberate attempt to conceal the existence of tritium contamination at Bulimba.
ARPANSA advised the review that Defence’s management of its regulatory requirements under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act and Regulations requires significant improvement.
The Secretary and the CDF have appointed Major General Grant Cavenagh, the Commander Joint Logistics, to lead the implementation of the recommendations. As the responsible regulatory authority, ARPANSA will monitor the progress of Defence in implementing the recommendations.
The safe handling of hazardous substances used in the conduct of Defence business is of paramount importance to Defence. It is essential that the necessary safeguards are in place to protect the welfare of our personnel, contractors and the general public.
The strengthened governance arrangements that will be put in place for the oversight of radiation sources and facilities in Defence will ensure that we look after the welfare of our people, while also meeting our legislative obligations.
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