RADIATION HEALTH AND SAFETY IN SASKATCHEWAN IMPROVED

Saskatchewan's radiation health and safety regulations have been harmonized with national and international standards, making it easier for owners and users of radiation equipment in the province to comply.

The new regulations took effect March 10th and are the result of collaborative work by the provincial Radiation Health and Safety Committee, owners and users of radiation equipment, other stakeholders and the public.

"The new regulations were shaped by consultations in 2003 and 2004," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "Amendments to The Radiation Health and Safety Act in 1996, changes to surface lease agreements with the uranium mining companies, updates to internationally accepted exposure levels, and the federal government's 2001 Nuclear Safety Control Act have all combined to make this new version of the regulations necessary."

For example, the formulae for calculating a dose from ionizing radiation will now be the same as those in the uranium mine surface lease agreements and federal Regulations of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. As well, the methods for calculating exposures and the exposure limits for radiofrequency radiation from devices such as cell phones, microwaves, and radar will be harmonized with the limits recommended by Health Canada.

"Harmonizing provincial and federal regulations makes compliance easier," a physicist at the Allan Blair Memorial Clinic in Regina and Chair of the Radiation Health and Safety Committee Peter Dickof said. "It cuts down on the administrative time involved in operating such equipment."

Anyone wishing a copy of the new regulations can contact the Occupational Health and Safety Division at 1-800-567-7233.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dallas McQuarrie Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-1545