International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES)

Joanne Lackenby,
ANSTO.

1 pm Thursday 29 June 2017.

AINSE Theatre, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW.

Meeting hosted by ANA.

Abstract:
The INES Scale was developed by the IAEA and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency as a tool to promptly and consistently communicate to the public the safety significance of events associated with ionising radiation. Although the scale was originally devised to classify events occurring at nuclear power plants, it has been extended and can be applied to events at any installation that deals with ionising radiation, and also to events occurring during the transport, storage and use of radioactive material and sources. This talk will cover the objectives and principles of the scale, how an INES assessment is completed, and how the INES scale is used in Australia. Examples of how the scale has been applied to actual events will also be discussed.

About Jo Lackenby:
Jo has worked at ANSTO for over 9 years and is a safety and licensing specialist. Her interest lies in nuclear safety, process improvement and regulatory compliance. Part of her role includes preparing and reviewing INES ratings. She holds several committee positions, including ANA Committee Member and President of Women in Nuclear Australia

The Australian Nuclear Association Inc (ANA) is an independent incorporated scientific institution which promotes the education, knowledge and practice of the peaceful, safe and effective use of nuclear science and technology to benefit people, science and the environment.

ANA supports the use of nuclear science and technology in Australia, including nuclear techniques in research, industry and medicine; research reactors as a source of neutrons for research and production of radioisotopes; nuclear power plants to produce electricity and the use nuclear power for marine propulsion.

ANA strongly supports the use of nuclear power plants as reliable, affordable and low carbon generators of electricity and as a low carbon source of heat for industry. Adding nuclear energy to Australia’s energy future will help meet our international obligations on carbon emissions, improve energy security and contribute to our economic future. Australia can benefit from current and emerging advanced reactor designs as well as from the considerable international experience accumulated in regulating and operating nuclear power plants, taking into account safety, environmental, technical, economic and social factors. The ANA supports the removal of Federal and State legislative nuclear prohibitions so that nuclear energy can be considered on its merits.

ANA strongly supports establishment of a national radioactive waste management facility for the management of intermediate level radioactive waste and the disposal of low level radioactive waste from all Commonwealth agencies as well from the States and Territories.