Our Performance

 

Radioactivity

We use small quantities of radioactive materials to enable us to study the medicines we are developing. This enables us to understand how they work within the biological systems they are targeting. One of the primary objectives of our Radiation Safety Committee is to further encourage the use of non-radiological technologies with a view to minimising the quantities of radioactive material used on site. To this end and before using any radioactive material, our scientists actively consider alternative technologies, such as fluorescence. Where alternatives are not practicable, or not safer, we strive to use the smallest amount of radioactivity we can.

Personal safety when using radioactive materials is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive, whilst the Environment Agency (EA) actively oversees the manner in which we store and dispose of them. Authorisations issued by the EA place limits on how much radioactivity we may hold on site, and rigidly dictate how we dispose of it following use. Our operations are in full compliance with these requirements.

During 2007 our PGRD operations were inspected by radiation safety specialists from the Environment Agency. An unannounced inspection was also performed on our Site Radiography operations by a radiation specialist inspector from the HSE. Neither inspection resulted in any negative findings.

The Health Protection Agency (formerly the National Radiological Protection Board) is contracted by Pfizer as our Radiation Protection Adviser and provides regular and independent advice assisting us to continually improve upon how we manage radioactivity. Pfizer commissioned an independent report into PGRD's Radiological Waste Disposal Activities in 1998. It concluded, "Analysis has shown that, for all exposure scenarios, doses are consistent with ambient background levels..."

A particular focus was given to training all x-ray users on site during 2007. A new training programme was developed with and delivered by the Health Protection Agency.

In 2007 we commenced a root and branch review of our radiation safety ‘Local Rules’. These local rules document the procedures and standards to which all of our activities involving radioactive work must adhere. They at least meet and in some cases surpass the requirements of legislation. The review will conclude in 2008.