The federal government's ageing nuclear medical facility in southern Sydney should be replaced or rebuilt due to safety concerns, an independent report says.
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The expert report published on Monday found there was a "make do and mend" culture at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation site in Lucas Heights.
The report found the 1950s-era nuclear medical facility failed to meet modern nuclear safety standards.
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 organisation's boss on Monday argued if work started "today" on a new $210 million building, it could be up and running in five years.
While several modifications have been made to the facility, the report found upgrades cannot resolve all its problems.
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 last year - 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.
"It should be noted that Level 3 events are regarded as serious events in the nuclear industry and any additional events at this level may result in loss of confidence in the organisation," the report says.
ANSTO chief executive Adi Paterson said since the August 2017 accident it was clear safety improvements were needed.
"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.
"This is an old facility ... it is entering the life cycle where it's becoming more and more challenging to maintain the sustainability of the facility," Mr Griffiths told ABC TV.
He insisted it was not dangerous but admitted it did not meet modern standards.
The report made 85 recommendations, including that the Australian government commit to a replacement facility as soon as practicable and provide additional funding or find alternative funding for the new site.
Australian Associated Press
