Managing Radioactive Wastes and Spent Reactor Fuel

Brochures

**Contents**
Introduction Radiation - Types of radiation - Half-life Radiation exposure limits Waste classification Solid wastes Waste water	Intermediate level liquid wastes Management of HIFAR spent fuel Airborne emissions Environmental monitoring Future commitment Research and development Additional information

Introduction

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation places the highest priority on the safe management of radioactive wastes and spent fuel from its nuclear facilities.

Wastes arise from operation of Australia's only research reactor HIFAR (High Flux Australian Reactor) and associated facilities which produce radioisotopes for research purposes and for medical and industrial use. ANSTO's unique research facilities are utilised by universities that are members of the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering. Each year, over 400,000 doses of radioisotopes from ANSTO are used in hospitals throughout Australia to diagnose medical conditions and to treat patients.

In 1996, ANSTO undertook a comprehensive review of its waste management operations. As a result, a five-year action plan is underway to ensure that wastes are managed in accordance with emerging international best practice.

This report, taken from a recently published brochure, summarises how ANSTO currently manages its radioactive wastes and spent fuel, and its plans for the future.

ANSTO's program of environmental monitoring is described. Background information is also provided on radiation and radioactivity.

Additional information

The following additional information is available on request:

ANSTO's Waste Management Policy (The waste management policy approved by the ANSTO Board) in July 1995

Environmental Review (A detailed technical review of radioactive waste management at ANSTO, completed in May 1996 (ANSTO Report /E 728))

Annual Environmental Survey (A report on the results of environmental and effluent monitoring at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre and the nearby environs)

Ionising Radiation (The ANSTO leaflet, Ionising Radiation, has information on naturel and man-made radiation and the levels at which they occur in the community.)

For copies of ANSTO's publications please E-mail a request.