Argument for a radiation-based incident screening tool: A case study in operational radiation response

Radiation-based incidents, while low frequency, present potentially high consequences for first responders, communities, and the environment. Emergency responses to such events are guided by well-established operational protocols; however, these frameworks tend to focus primarily on radiological hazards and do not systematically account for non-radiological risks, including the possibility of malicious or criminal intent. Current approaches to radiation incident triage are largely non-discriminatory, frequently resulting in the deployment of large numbers of responders and, consequently, potentially avoidable occupational radiation exposure. This discussion paper examines the legislative and governance framework underpinning radiation incident response in South Australia, with particular attention to the role of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), its Radiation Emergency Response Team (R-ERT), and associated multi-agency arrangements. Drawing on insights from a multi-agency training exercise (“Exercise Hotspring”), the paper identifies operational gaps in early incident assessment and decision-making. It argues for the integration of a structured, multi-hazard risk screening approach to complement existing radiation response protocols. Such an approach may support proportionate, evidence-informed responses, while enhancing protection for first responders, communities, and the environment.