'Unsafe' Sydney nuclear facility needs $210m upgrade

An ageing nuclear medical facility at Lucas Heights in Sydney’s south could be shut down or rebuilt after it was deemed too ‘unsafe’ to operate.

An independent report says the building fails modern nuclear safety standards, after a major incident last year.

In August 2017, a technician at the facility was exposed to radioactive material that contaminated his hands through two pairs of gloves after he dropped a vial, exposing him to an elevated risk of cancer.

The incident was the most serious in the world at the time - the only safety failure that was rated a "Level 3" event or above.

It was followed by three other less-serious incidents - "near misses" - within the next 10 months.

A report released today found there is a “make do and mend” culture at the nuclear medical facility, which failed to meet modern nuclear safety standards.

It handed down 85 safety recommendations, including the replacement of building 23 where the 2017 incident happened.

A replacement facility has been in the pipeline for several years but plans have been hindered because of federal government budget restrictions, the report says.

“The safety of our staff is absolutely paramount and we need to improve the processes where we identify safety deficiency,” said Adi Paterson CEO of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Building 23 was built in the late 1950s and ANSTO has been pushing for a replacement for more than three years.

"It's clear from the incident and this report that we have work to do on both accounts and for that we are sorry," Dr Paterson said in a statement on Monday.

He later told reporters at the facility: "I believe we will be able to maintain and operate this facility until a new one is built provided that is done in a time scale that's consistent with our 10-year plan."

Dr Paterson said the current building could safely operate for another five to 10 years. The total cost for a new facility is estimated to be about $210 million.

"I'm pretty sure if we press the start button today within five years we'd have a modern (facility)," he said.

ANSTO chief nuclear officer Hefin Griffiths said the report was confronting and challenging.