Regulatory disclosures 

19 Dec

2012

Seven, low hazard, calibration check sources were discovered to have not been listed on the ANSTO Source Inventory list. No safety significance. Sources are now registered.

A sub-contractor was observed working at heights without appropriate heights safety controls in place. No injuries sustained.  No injuries received but reported due to non-compliance with ANSTO procedures.  Contractor management reminded of the ANSTO safety requirements and re-communicated to all their staff.

An ANSTO employee suffered head injuries while undertaking recreational activities on an overseas posting.  While the injury was not related to work activities, the event was reported as it happened whilst the staff member was on a work placement.  Staff member has since returned to posting.  Travel procedures to communicate non-work injuries while on work trips reviewed and strengthened.

Contractor slipped and fell causing laceration to calf when entering fenced off area on construction site.  Contractor sent to hospital for treatment of injury.  Safety assessments for construction reviewed and strengthened to further highlight restricted areas.  Contractors reminded of restricted areas.

An air ducting cover fell from its position on the roof during the night.  No personnel in area at time but reported due to potential for injury.  Inspection showed cover had vibrated loose from support.  Extra locking screws placed in this and similar units to avoid reoccurrence.

Staff member received splash from stud welder on eye past PPE.  Eye immediately washed and no injury received.  Investigation reminded that incorrect eyewear was selected for job.  Staff reminded of correct PPE and procedures updated to more clearly identify required eye protection.

A small fire in a laboratory waste bin was immediately extinguished. No injuries received. Waste disposal procedures for laboratory updated to reduce likelihood of repeat fire. Refresher training given to laboratory staff on fire fighting.

An active lead to an electromagnet was not reconnected after completion of work. Investigation showed that interlocks operated correctly so no risk of electrocution. Staff reminded of electrical work close out process.

A bottle of 6M sulphuric acid was incorrectly labelled as a decontamination solution leading to staff member using acid for washing of hands. Acid immediately washed off and no injury received. Other wash bottles checked and new decontamination bottles with clearer marking ordered.

A danger tag on a crane rail was removed by a contractor without authorisation leading to second contractor working in area of live rail.  No injury but reported due to risk of electrocution.  Investigation launched with contractors.

A 30 tonne press was being moved via a mobile crane by a contractor when the load became unstable.  Load was immediately lowered to ground, damaging road guttering.  Load re-slung and transferred to truck for transport. No one was injured. Safe Work Method Statement provided by contractor reviewed and updated.

 An ANSTO staff member was injured when a drill went through a bracket he was holding, injuring his thumb. First aid issued onsite before staff member transported offsite for further medical assistance. Reminder given to staff of hazards associated with power tools.

A ceiling light fell approximately 12 meters from the roof to the ground.  No personnel were in the area at the time but reported as a near miss.  Other lights in area inspected and heavy duty lanyards installed to prevent reoccurrence.

While inspecting a leaking manifold on a helium bottle, a hose blew off striking a contractor on the hand.  No injury received.  Hose was removed from service and similar hoses inspected.  Manufacturer of hose was notified for investigation.

Two staff members were lowering a trolley to the ground with a rope and manual winch when the rope gave way.  Staff were not underneath load so no risk of serious injury but reported as a near miss.  While rope was assessed as adequate for the job, it was replaced with a dedicated cable.

A periodic measurement of radiological dose to a staff member produced a higher than normal result, but was still within regulatory limits. Investigation of event revealed that dosimeter had been incorrectly used. Local procedures were reviewed and updated to strengthen correct use of dosimeters.

When conducting an inspection of a welding rig, it was noted that the lead was not compliant to the Australian Standard.  Rig was immediately tagged out and replaced with compliant equipment before any injuries resulted.  Similar equipment was inspected for and verified in compliance with Australian Standard.

Staff member came across a snake when clearing a blocked stormwater bund.  No injuries resulted.  Protective equipment now issued for use when clearing stormwater bunds.

Contractor sustained minor injury when a hand power drill he was using slipped and cut his hand.  First aid applied and job stopped.  Refresher training on power tool safety held for contractors.

Minibus rolled a few meters after hand break left off. Passenger quickly applied handbrake and there were no injuries. Bus replaced with a new model with automatic transmission.

Contractor sustained minor injuries in a short fall from scaffolding. The job was immediately stopped and scaffolding removed from service.  All similar scaffolding reviewed and reminder sent to users on correct use.

Total Mo-99 inventory in Building 23A temporarily exceeded level stated in licence condition by 1% due to a high-yield production run.  Material stored for two hours until decayed to below licence level.  No safety significance.

 Contractor fell from ladder, resulting in cut to finger.  First aid applied.  Ladder replaced with more modern design and staff reminded of safety principles for working at heights.

Rock thrown from catcher of ride-on mower, breaking window.  No injury received.  Area cleared of stones and mower service checks upgraded.

A Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) was over-pressured resulting in rupture of the can, damage to surrounding furnace and release of heavy metal powder.  No injuries received but one staff member noted temporary throat irritation. 

Electrician identified an old switchboard in non-standard design.  No injury received.  Switchboard labelled pending review of design.  All site electricians made aware of issue.

Notified to Comcare