The method of calculating permissible exposure levels was changed in 1984 and again in 1986. The result was an effective six-fold reduction in radiation exposure limits. Research programs to improve industry and community knowledge about airborne radiation. As a result, average radiation levels have been reduced by more than 70 per cent. Protective masks are no longer required for most plant operators.
All new plant is designed to incorporate efficient dust control equipment.
Titanium minerals production is managed under the Code of Practice for Mining and Milling of Radioactive Ores. The current radiation levels are well below the recently set Commonwealth Radiation Protection Code limit of 20 millisieverts per year occupational exposure. Current performance data indicates that Australian producers have no difficulty meeting the new standards. Australia is the first titanium minerals producing country to adopt the new standard of 20 millisieverts per year. New South Wales and Queensland producers are required to meet the same standards as Western Australian miners.