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Radiation monitoring at the country�s only nuclear reactor is being pared back in a bid to save $140,000 a year.
The AMWU sounded the alarm, after being tipped off by members, to a controversial plan to cease testing for radiation leaks between the hours of 11pm and 7am
Employees and emergency services workers have reacted angrily to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) cut backs.
The AMWU says the federal government facility is on a cost-cutting mission that risks the safety of workers, and the wider community.
NSW AMWU Secretary, Paul Bastian, rejected ANSTO�s claim that restructuring had made round-the-clock monitoring unnecessary.
�Our members, who have done monitoring in the past, say that�s nonsense,� Bastian said.
�They�re not prepared to risk the safety of workers and the community. It�s a nuclear reactor, not a microwave.�
Bastian said a radiation leak was possible at Lucas Heights for a multitude of reasons, including electrical faults.
The union estimates the total amount ANSTO would save from not monitoring would be the wages of two technicians.
Fire Brigade Union secretary Craig Harris said his members would put a ban on the Lucas Heights facility unless ANSTO could give safety guarantees.
Harris said the move could breach the safety rules of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and state occupational health and safety laws.
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