Accreditation milestone for Observatory Radiation Laboratory

11 May 2009

The Hong Kong Observatory has this year achieved a major milestone in environmental radiation monitoring. Its Radiation Laboratory has received ISO 9001:2008 accreditation for its radiation measurement services. This highlights the work of Observatory staff in their pursuit of scientific excellence.

At the ISO 9001:2008 certification presentation ceremony today (11 May), the Observatory's Director, Dr Lee Boon-ying, said, "The Observatory has been carrying out environmental radiation monitoring for almost 50 years. Throughout the years, our goal has always been to provide quality services. Firmly based on science, the Observatory will continue to enhance the environmental radiation monitoring programme for safeguarding the public."

During the 1950s and 1960s, above-ground nuclear tests led to the dispersion of radioactive materials. The Observatory started monitoring environmental radiation levels in Hong Kong in 1961. It took part in international programmes on environmental radiation monitoring organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

In 1983, in response to the Guangdong nuclear power station project at Daya Bay, the Observatory embarked on a comprehensive Environmental Radiation Monitoring Programme to monitor radiation levels in Hong Kong before and after the commencement of operation of the power plant. Measurement results over the years indicate that there has been no measurable change in either the ambient radiation levels or the activities of artificial radionuclides in the environment and foodstuffs consumed, compared with those before the operation of the nuclear power station.

In almost five decades of environmental radiation monitoring, the Observatory has maintained its momentum to attain world-class level by continuously enhancing its measurement instruments and methods. It has also participated in comparison exercises and proficiency tests organised by international organisations and those in mainland China to assure the quality of the measurement results. The ISO 9001:2008 accreditation it received for its radiation measurement services is recognition by the International Organisation for Standardization of the quality management system of the Radiation Laboratory.

The Director of Hong Kong Observatory Dr Lee Boon-ying (left)receiving the ISO 9001:2008 certificate.