Learn about ANSTO's core activities; the OPAL research reactor, its science, safety culture, board and organisational structure, news visitors information and events.
Regulations governing ANSTO
ANSTO seeks to engage its regulators in proactive dialogue to ensure continuous improvement in its safety and environmental performance.
As a Commonwealth Authority, ANSTO's main statutory duties in relation to Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental aspects are contained in the following pieces of legislation:
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (ARPANS Act).
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) which, through its Regulatory and Policy Branch, regulates the Australian Government and its contractors use of radiation sources and facilities and nuclear installations through the administration of the ARPANS Act.
Comcare is the agency responsible for workplace safety, rehabilitation and compensation in the jurisdiction of the Australian Commonwealth Government.
Safety management
ANSTO's Safety Management System is designed to ensure that ANSTO meets and, where practicable, exceeds requirements laid down in the legislation above. ANSTO's compliance with its statutory health, safety and environmental duties is regulated by two main regulatory bodies:
Robust processes
ANSTO recognises the authority of its regulators but does not rely on them to ensure the safety of its activities. The organisation has established a robust internal process for ensuring compliance with its statutory duties and applies this assurance process to all its activities.
All new licensable activities must be supported by a full justification and risk assessment and be subject to a full internal review and approvals procedure prior to being submitted to the relevant external regulatory body.
Continuous improvement
ANSTO believes that its activities have the potential to provide significant benefits to Australia, but only if they are achieved in a safe and compliant manner. The organisation seeks to engage its regulators in proactive dialogue to ensure continuous improvement in its safety and environmental performance.
ANSTO also values its accreditation to the ISO14001 standard on environmental management and welcomes the scrutiny and recommendations derived from external auditors to drive continual improvement in its environmental performance.