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Inspection Report

Licence Holder: Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) / Licence Number:S0120
Location inspected:
Darwin International Airport and theNorthern Australia Quarantine Strategy Laboratory, Darwin NT / Date/s of inspection:31 March 2017
Report No:R17/04015
An inspectionwas conducted as part of ARPANSA’s baseline inspection program to assess compliance with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the Act), the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 1999 (the Regulations), and conditions of Source Licence S0120.
The scope of the inspection included an assessment of Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR)performance against the Source Performance Objectives and Criteria (PO&Cs)for sources at the Darwin sites. The inspection consisted of a review of records, interviews, and physical inspection of sources at the sites.

Background

The DAWR is licensed under section 33 of the Act to deal with sources including baggage inspection x-ray units and Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)sources. These sources are principally used for Quarantine operations.
AtDarwin International Airport DAWR operate one fixed baggage inspection x-ray unit. Atthe Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy Laboratoryin Darwin,DAWR operateUVR sources including biological safety cabinets and a UV transilluminator.
ARPANSA applicable codes and standards for these sources include the Revised Statement On Cabinet X-ray Equipment For Examination Of Letters, Packages, Baggage, Freight And Other Articles For Security, Quality Control And Other Purposes (1987) (RHS21), AS/NZS 2243.5:2004 Safety in laboratories Part 5: Non-ionizing radiations – Electromagnetic, sound and ultrasound (AS2243.5) and Radiation Protection Standard for Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (2006) (RPS 12).

Observations

In general, management of radiation safety at the sites was observed to be satisfactory.However, in some instance potential improvements in documentedrisk assessment, signage and training were identified.

Performance Reporting Verification

DAWRannual reports have been submitted to ARPANSA in a timely manner and contained relevant information, including details of compliance with the Act and Regulations and source movement.
The details of allDAWRsources are maintained in the Source Inventory Workbook (SIW). The details of the baggage inspection x-ray unit were consistent with the SIW.However, the location and status of some UV units were not in accordance with the last submitted SIW in June 2016. The SIW for DAWR is required to be submitted to ARPANSAat least annually, and next due July 2017, and it is expected that these changes will be reflected in the next submission of the SIW.

Maintenance and Servicing

Copies of the four most recent maintenance/service reports issued by the manufacturer/supplier of the x-ray unit, Smiths Detection, were provided during the inspection. The most recent report, dated 10/08/2016,reported the radiation monitoring results and indicated that checks of interlocks were performed without issue.
The UVR units had been maintained and serviced regularly. This servicing included testing the intensity of the UVR in accordance with AS1807.23. The testing did not indicate whether shielding integrity or the functional status of the interlocks was confirmed. While some of the historical records could not be located, all units had been tested within the last 12 months, and recordsall of tests since 2015 were present.

Training

DIBP requires that the personnel using the x-ray unit have received appropriate training in radiation safety and use/operation through internally delivered courses. Detailed records of individual staff training wereprovided during the inspection.
Evidence of internal training for UVR was provided during the inspection. It was noted that only a small number of people use the equipment and that these staff members were familiar with the operation of the units. However, the training did not cover all areas required under AS2243.5 (section 1.5.4), including on the effects of over exposure and incident reporting requirements.

Security and Access Control

The X-ray unitwas controlled through a key, and required a login which is provided to staff after completing training.The UVR units were located in a restricted laboratory, access was controlled primarily through swipe cards and visitors are escorted.

Radiation Protection

The x-ray unit was fitted with indicator lights and warning signs in accordance with the relevant standard, RHS21. The x-ray unit was in a satisfactory condition, including the flexible curtain shielding at the entry/exit ports. Emergency stop buttons were also fitted at these ports and at the control panel.
In accordance with RPS12 (section 3.1.1) a documented workplace policy is required, which clearly identifies the risks and the procedures to control the risks of UVR sources. Workplace procedures and controls were observed on site. However, while the procedures made reference to a risk assessment, a risk assessment in accordance with RPS12 (section 3.1.2) and AS2243.5 (section 1.5.1) was not readily available on site. As such hazard identification,including the calculation for permissible exposure limits, and control prioritisationwere not clearly demonstrated.
Signage which indicates the hazards and controls required for each unit was observed. However, in some instances the signage was not consistent with AS 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment.

Findings

The licence holder was found to be in compliance with the requirements of the Act, the Regulations, and licence conditions.
The inspection revealed the following areas for improvement:
  1. UV hazard identification and risk assessments were not readily available on site at the time ofthe inspection.
  2. The UV training did not cover all aspects required under AS/NZS 2243.5:2004 Safety in laboratories Part 5: Non-ionizing radiations – Electromagnetic, sound and ultrasound
  3. Signage was not always in accordance with AS 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment.
It is expected that improvement actions be taken in a timely manner.

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