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MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN RESPONSE TO PROF. SHARPEY-SCHAFER'S 'NUCLEAR DISASTER ALERT' - 15 DECEMBER 1998

The comparison of over-exposure to industrial radiography sources with nuclear accidents such as those at the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl is grossly inaccurate and irresponsible. Accidents or incidents involving over-exposure to radiation sources, be it in industry or medicine, can never be compared to accidents involving nuclear installations, e.g. reaction or power plants. In addition to not being factually correct, it could cause unnecessary panic among the public.

The Department can confirm that the two persons from Secunda in Mpumalanga have, as reported, been exposed to high radiation doses and are currently under medical supervision. Only three other cases of serious damage due to high exposure have been brought to our attention since 1989. Legal action was instituted in all three cases. We regard incidents such as these in the most serious light. It is totally unacceptable that even a single person is exposed to radiation levels that are higher than the prescribed limits.

The Department's radiation control programme was started in the early 1970's. It is based on international guidelines and has developed to such an extent that it is comparable to the best in the world. Industrial radiography is one of many activities that are regulated in terms of this programme. (We currently control + 2200 holders of authorities for radio active material and + 25 000 sources.)

Because of the possibility of exposure to high radiation, all radiography activities are regulated; all work is done in accordance with a specific code of practice. We subscribe to the dose limits as recommended by the international Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) and all workers have to be monitored for exposure. The following methods are in use:

* All workers are issued with personal dosimeters (used to measure and monitor exposure to high radiation doses) which are issued and reported on every four weeks.

* Workers must carry direct-reading dosimeters. The results of these have to be entered in a log at the end of each shift.

* The third line of defence is formed by alarm dosimeters. These will give an audible alarm should the wearer enter a high radiation area.

It should be clear that a comprehensive array of measures are indeed in place to monitor, among others, industrial radiography workers. Despite all of this, one can never leave a human factor out of the equation. Accidents and incidents can and will happen. As part of its control programme, the department inspects authority holders to ensure compliance with our requirements. If, in the case of accidents/incidents, there is reasonable chance to prove negligence, prosecution is possible within the existing framework.

We are doing everything in our power to improve the safety culture within the industrial radiography field. Various steps have been taken, e.g. written reminders regarding adherence to safety measures are issued and unannounced night inspections are being arranged with the major contractors.

We agree with Prof. Sharpey-Schafer that there is a need to do a wider survey. We are working together with various role players to identify persons who have been working in the industry for some time. Blood samples from a selection of these workers will be taken and forwarded for biological dosimetry determinations at the National Accelerator Centre (NAC).

The Department of Health wishes to reiterate once more that we do not have a situation comparable in the slightest degree to Chernobyl or any other nuclear disaster elsewhere in the world. We find it most regrettable that unnecessary panic has been caused by the manner in which this matter has been handled.

Contact Persons: Mr J Olivier
Telephone Number: 082 8255 215
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