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CSIRO Plant Industry last night scooped the award for Innovation in the Public Sector, in the annual ACT Occupational Health and Safety Awards.
"The Division received the award for designing a new radiation safety disposal system - a facility for the safe storage of radioactive waste from laboratories ," said Dr Tony Agostino, CSIRO Plant Industry scientist.
Dr Agostino explained that CSIRO uses a limited amount of radioactive material in a number of research programs. The waste generated is disposed of following ACT Government guidelines.
"The new system will require some education but its simple, easy and incredibly safe.
"The system involves staff placing radiation waste containers in a sealed disposal area." he said. "A timer ensures the waste is left to disintegrate for 28 days, and it then moves along a conveyor belt allowing for a new container to be inserted.
"This new process takes about five minutes every month, as opposed to the old system which left a specialised storage facility with bins, with various dates, which someone had to regularly sort.
"Our new invention consolidates and streamlines operation, minimising any hazard, and ensuring the safety of our staff.
"The new facility has enormous potential in other institutions, particularly teaching environments," he said. "It is also of great benefit to CSIRO, with many Divisions having to dispose of radiation waste."
Dr Agostino said the development is part of a continuing safety program. "The new facility is the joint brainwave of tradesmen and scientific staff, particularly our Radiation Safety Committee," he said.
More information from:
Tony Agostino or Paula Fitzgerald
Photographic opportunities available.
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