In Western Australia any project that has a potential to deliver radiation exposures above the levels that would be considered typical background or above exempt levels for radioactive substances, needs to be considered and in some cases approved by the Radiological Council. It should be noted that the Council meets only once every two months (6 times per annum) and any submissions for approval to the Council need to consider this time-frame.

All proponents for large scale projects must be aware of the following:

1. there may be requirements for registration and licensing under the Radiation Safety Act 1975 – 1999 if either sealed or unsealed radioactive sources are to be used;
   
2. the processing of materials in the oil & gas and other mining industries may require special consideration or be subject to approval from the Radiological Council; and
   
3. Radiation Safety on mine sites is also subject to regulation under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994. Please contact the Department of Consumer and Employee Protection for further information with respect to this legislation.

Prior to the commencement of any operations for which the recently published Code of Practice and Safety Guide entitled Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005) would apply, the operator must obtain approval for the Radiation Management Plan and where applicable a Radioactive Waste Management Plan. For more information on the required criteria in a Radiation Management Plan and a Radioactive Waste Management Plan, please see the Code of Practice and Safety Guide entitled Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005) available as RPS 9 from the Australian Radtiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency website.

The processing of materials in the oil & gas industry may be associated with a technically enhanced build up of naturally occurring radioactive material (norm or te-norm). This issue has been given further consideration at international levels and some guidance is available in the publication; Radiation Protection and the Management of Radioactive Waste in the Oil and Gas Industry (PDF 1.68KB) (External site).

The Radiation Safety Act and Regulations specify maximum exposure limits for non-ionising emissions from radiofrequency radiation, ultraviolet radiation and electromagnetic fields from powerlines and electronic equipment. Where a potential hazard in this area may arise, the Radiation Health Branch can provide advice on determining compliance to the relevant standards or guidelines.

For specific questions relating to ionising radiation use, radiological considerations for either straightforward or complex projects, or to obtain further information regarding non-standard approvals please contact the Radiological Council.

For more information please contact the Radiation Health Branch on (08) 9346 2260.