When
the Navy asked the manufacturers of beryllium, copper alloy needles,
for data on the devices “there was nothing to give us”, the Systems
Commander, CDRE Geoff Geraghty said.
As a result Navy has tasked DSTO to conduct tests on the needles.
The Commodore’s remarks came when he addressed 100 sailors and
Defence civilians at Divisions held at HMAS Waterhen on February
25.
It was the inaugural Divisions under the regime where the core
personnel at Waterhen now fall under the command of SYSCOM.
CDRE Geraghty said Navy was taking the matter of beryllium “very
seriously”.
He said the service had a mammoth task of going through 20 year
old records to determine who used the needle guns fitted with
the beryllium.
“The needles were 2 per cent beryllium and 98 per cent copper,”
he said. “DSTO is doing tests.”
CDRE Geraghty said that if sailors had concerns about their health
because they had used the beryllium – copper needles in the past
then “raise your issue”.
CDRE Geraghty said Navy was taking the matter of beryllium
very seriously’
A beryllium information service is now available and concerned
individuals are encouraged to ring 1800 000 644.
The beryllium register will record each caller’s personal and
potential exposure details.
CDRE Geraghty continued his address by talking about the important
issue of Sea Change.
He said he was concerned about a recent statement he had heard
that Sea Change was “dead.”
“Sea Change is not dead. It is better for you,” he said. “It is
not just about alternate crewing,” he added.
The Commodore reminded the Waterhen personnel of the introduction
of the ship’s warrant officers, the new promotion system and the
opening of waterfront career management cells.
“Sea Change does follow up issues,” he assured the sailors.
CDRE Geraghty applauded those who had supported Op Sumatra Assist.
He also commended the Waterhen staff for “rising to the challenge”
of the workload.
CDRE Geraghty was welcomed to the base by the commanding officer,
CMDR Steve Reid and his senior staff.
