On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs
For updated information relating to certificates of competency see Statutory positions
All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website
The information below has been left for historical compliance reference purposes
What is the role of a radiation safety officer?
Where required under the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995, the manager of a mine must appoint an officer to oversee radiation safety at the mine.
An appointed radiation safety officer must have qualifications and experience satisfactory to the State Mining Engineer.
Refer to rr. 16.9 and 16.10 of the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995
Duties of a radiation safety officer
The radiation safety officer is responsible for advising the manager on matters relating to the implementation of the radiation management plan for the mine.
The radiation officer also investigates any defects or malfunctions discovered in plant, equipment or procedure that cause exposure to radiation in excess of dose constraints or limits, or dose rates or contamination levels in excess of authorised limits.
Radiation management plan (RMP)
Minimum coverage
The RMP needs to cover the following matters as a minimum requirement:
- company and site details
- employee workgroup details
- type of activity (drilling, mining, processing)
- work and hygiene practices
- radiation monitoring equipment
- activity and personnel monitoring
- storage of radioactive material
- disposal of radioactive material
- decontamination of equipment
- recording of monitoring data
- reporting to regulators
- environmental considerations and site radiological clean-up
- training
- transport of radioactive material
- pre- and post-activity background monitoring (including groundwater sampling where practicable).
Refer to the NORM guidelines listed below for more details.
When is an RMP reviewed?
An RMP is not a static document – it requires review on a regular basis. Depending on the status of the exploration project or mine site, and type and amount of radioactive minerals encountered, amendments to the RMP may need to be submitted to the regulators.
The complexity of the plan typically increases as activities move from exploration to mining to processing.
Planning for mine closure
The Environment Division has specific requirements for Mine closure plans.
Related information
Below is the list of documents and links that you may find useful.