| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
07/19/2011 - 07/20/2011 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Agreement State | Event Number: 46931 | Rep Org: WA DIVISION OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Region: 4
City: SEATTLE State: WA
County:
License #: WN-C001-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KELEE ATTEBERY
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 06/06/2011
Notification Time: 20:34 [ET]
Event Date: 03/30/2011
Event Time: 18:00 [PDT]
Last Update Date: 07/19/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
JACK WHITTEN (R4DO)
ANDREW PERSINKO (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - EXTREMITY OVEREXPOSURE DURING LABORATORY WORK
The following information was provided via e-mail from the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Radiation Protection:
"A Nuclear Medicine technologist received an overexposure to her extremity dosimeter for March 2011 while working in the basement of the Magnusen Health Sciences Building on the UW Campus. The Extremity Dose was reported as 56,440 mrem. During the month of March, she performed several cell-labeling procedures involving 75mCi, 111mCi, and 108mCi amounts of Y-90. There were also several labeling procedures involving the use of I-131 during the same time frame. However, because the whole body badge showed no significant exposure, it is believed the majority of the exposure came from the technologist's work with Y-90.
"Licensee: University of Washington
"City and State: Seattle, WA
"License Number: WN-C001-1
"Type of License: Broad A
"Date and time of Event: March 1 - March 30, 2011
"Location of Event: UW Magnusen Health Sciences Building
"Investigation is ongoing."
Washington Report #WA-11-030
* * * UPDATE ON 7/19/11 AT 1330 EDT TO HUFFMAN FROM THE STATE OF WASHINGTON VIA E-MAIL * * *
"On 6 June 2011, the department [Washington Division of Radiation Protection] received notification via letter from the University of Washington (UW) that an employee, had received an extremity dose to the left hand of 56,440 mrem from Yttrium 90 for the month of March 2011. The department [Washington Division of Radiation Protection] was notified that the employee retired in May 2011.
"An incident number WA-11-030 was assigned to the event. UW informed the technician of the overexposure and she agreed to meet to discuss the incident.
"On 15 June 2011, a Health Physicist from the Department of Health met with the UW RSO, a UW Health Physicist, and the technician to discuss the incident.
"The Y-90 comes in bulk and must be divided into smaller aliquots based on the desired dose for cell labeling. These aliquots must be handled several times during the cell labeling procedure by the technician. The small size of the aliquot tubes made it too difficult to use tongs or other devices that might have lessened their exposure during these parts of the procedures. Most of this work was done in a hood behind shielding so that the whole body dose remained normal.
"Because the technician is right-handed, she would most often hold the tube containing the Y-90 in the left hand so she could use their right hand to add reagents or pipette the Y-90 solution into another tube. Although the exposure to the right hand did not exceed the annual limit, it was also unusually high for the month of March, 10.85 REM.
"The technician stated that there was no spill or other unusual occurrence during the month of March. It is highly unusual to do multiple labeling procedures in a one month period and March 2011 is the only time she has done three in one month. The amounts received, 75mCi, 111mCi, and 108 mCi were also larger than average. There were also several procedures involving the use of large doses, up to 1 Ci, of I-131 in March. However, this was not out of the ordinary for the technician so it is believed to be more likely that the multiple labeling procedures involving Y-90 contributed to exceeding the annual exposure limit to the left hand.
"Although, the technician is required to do surveys of the lab, the lab only has access to a GM detector and the area readings in the lab are often higher than background because of the large quantities of nuclides on hand. It is difficult for the technician to determine if contamination exists because of these high area readings. No swipe surveys are done by the technician. Swipe surveys are done by the radiation safety office staff. The last survey in which swipes were taken was January 2011. No contamination was noted at that time. The dose reconstruction was done to verify that the technician could in fact have received the reported dose given the time frame the technician was working with the Y-90. The dose reconstruction was also done to eliminate the possibility that the dose recorded by the ring dosimeter could have been caused by the ring being contaminated by Y-90 and that contamination remaining on the dosimeter. It was concluded by the UW RSO and the department [Washington Division of Radiation Protection] that handling these amounts of Y-90 could result in a dose of 56.4 REM in a very short period of time. Therefore, it is the conclusion of this investigation that the reported exposure is real.
"As a result of this investigation, the technician has been informed that she cannot work in an environment which would further contribute to her 2011 radiation dose. Because she is retired and no longer employed as a radiation worker at any facility, this should not be a hardship. It was determined that although the technician received an exposure above the legal limit, it is unlikely to result in any adverse health effects and no medical intervention is warranted.
"The Y-90 labeling has been halted at UW. No other person has done a labeling of this kind since the technician's retirement. No further work of this kind will take place at UW until a complete reworking of the procedures is completed and submitted to the Department, and their own RSC, for approval.
"This incident is closed."
R4DO (Campbell) and FSME EO (Zelac) have been notified. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47058 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: SHERWIN ALUMINA COMPANY
Region: 4
City: CORPUS CHRISTI State: TX
County:
License #: 00200
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 07/15/2011
Notification Time: 14:28 [ET]
Event Date: 07/15/2011
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 07/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
CHUCK CAIN (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOOSE SHUTTER ON PROCESS GAUGE
The following information was received via email from the State of Texas Health Services Radiation Branch:
"On July 15, 2011, the agency [Texas Department of Health] received an e-mail from the licensee's Radiation Safety Officer stating that during a routine inspection, the shutter on a Kay-Ray model 7062P nuclear gauge containing 100 millicuries of cesium - 137 (serial # KR 22151V) was loose and did not completely shield the source. The RSO stated that open is the normal operating condition for the gauge and that it did not create any additional exposure risk to any individual. The RSO stated that he was going to contact a vendor for repairs or replacement of the gauges. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Report ID: I-8869 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47059 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: SHERWIN ALUMINA COMPANY
Region: 4
City: CORPUS CHRISTI State: TX
County:
License #: 00200
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 07/15/2011
Notification Time: 14:22 [ET]
Event Date: 07/15/2011
Event Time: 08:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 07/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
CHUCK CAIN (R4DO)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - PROCESS GAUGE SHUTTER STUCK OPEN
The following information was received from the State of Texas Health Services Radiation Branch:
On July 15, 2011, the agency [Texas Department of Health] received an e-mail from the licensee's Radiation Safety Officer stating that during a routine inspection, the shutter of a Texas Nuclear model 5176 nuclear gauge containing 500 millicuries cesium - 137 (serial # B2623) was stuck in the open position. The RSO stated that open is the normal operating condition for the gauge and that it did not create any additional radiation exposure risk to any individual. The RSO stated that he was going to contact a vendor for repairs or replacement of the gauges. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300.
Texas Incident # I-8870 |
| Fuel Cycle Facility | Event Number: 47060 | Facility: NUCLEAR FUEL SERVICES INC.
RX Type: URANIUM FUEL FABRICATION
Comments: HEU CONVERSION & SCRAP RECOVERY
NAVAL REACTOR FUEL CYCLE
LEU SCRAP RECOVERY
Region: 2
City: ERWIN State: TN
County: UNICOI
License #: SNM-124
Agreement: Y
Docket: 07000143
NRC Notified By: RICK DROKE
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 07/15/2011
Notification Time: 16:01 [ET]
Event Date: 07/14/2011
Event Time: 17:04 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
74.57 - ALARM RESOLUTION
| Person (Organization):
SCOTT FREEMAN (R2DO)
MERAJ RAHIMI (NMSS)
FUELS GROUP by email ()
| Event Text INITIATION OF MATERIAL CONTROL AND ACCOUNTING RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
"10CFR74.57(f)(2) requires notification within 24 hours that an MC&A [Material Control and Accounting] alarm resolution procedure has been initiated. In the solvent extraction area of Building 333, the input minus output value exceeded the MC&A limit. Because the alarm investigation procedure has been initiated, this notification is being made. There is no indication that a material loss has occurred.
"MC&A process monitoring tests for material balance were run as specified by applicable procedures and requirements. Based on the test results for the Building 333 solvent extraction area, the test limit was exceeded. An investigation is currently underway to resolve the issue.
"There were no actual or potential safety consequences to workers, the public, or the environment.
"The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector." |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 47062 | Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: ARCOS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Region: 3
City: TINLEY PARK State: IL
County:
License #: 9223740
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DARREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 07/15/2011
Notification Time: 15:22 [ET]
Event Date: 07/13/2011
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 07/15/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
TAMARA BLOOMER (R3DO)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
ILTAB VIA E-MAIL ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - THEFT OF AN X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYZER
The following report was received from the Radioactive Materials Section of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency:
"[Arcos Environmental] a General Licensee, called the agency [Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)] to advise that a x-ray fluorescence analyzer [containing a 5 millicurie Cd-109 source] for measuring lead content of paint was stolen from a locked vehicle while at a temporary jobsite. The device along with several other items was removed from the car's trunk while it was parked at 6020 S. Langley Ave., Chicago, IL. At the time of the theft, the responsible user was in a building performing other duties. The theft was promptly reported to the Chicago Police Department. The general licensee is considering a news paper ad to encourage return of the device to its Tinley Park offices.
"Use of the device requires a 'pass code' to activate the device's features and allow exposure of the radioactive source by the opening of an internal shutter. The pass code is maintained separate from the device. In addition, 6 years after the source has been installed, the device will no longer operate and a display message directs that the device be returned to the manufacturer. This device was initially sourced in Sept of 2007.
"The maximum surface dose rate from the device is less than 100 microR/h when the shutter is closed. Based on the SSDR safety evaluation the maximum exposure rate, should the safety and security features be defeated and the shutter opened, would be 3 milliR/h. As a result, the potential radiation exposure to the thief or any member of the public is projected to be extremely low.
"The general licensee has been advised of the requirement to file a written report within 30 days of the theft. The agency [IEMA] does not intend to conduct an on-site investigation unless additional information or circumstances change which warrant a visit."
Illinois Report Number: IL11086
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 47072 | Facility: SURRY
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: SCOTT BRAY
HQ OPS Officer: BILL HUFFMAN | Notification Date: 07/19/2011
Notification Time: 14:40 [ET]
Event Date: 07/19/2011
Event Time: 11:13 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 07/19/2011 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
| Person (Organization):
MARVIN SYKES (R2DO)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | | 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation | Event Text INADVERTENT ACTUATION OF EMERGENCY SIRENS DURING EXERCISE
"At 1113 (EDT) on 7/19/2011, the emergency sirens surrounding the Surry Power Station actuated during an annual exercise being conducted at the local and state levels. The state was planning to simulate the actuation, but the sirens were inadvertently activated. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management made a news release regarding the actuation, notifying the public that there is no emergency at Surry Power Station.
"This report is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(xi) due to notification of Surry Power Station by state agencies of an inadvertent activation of the public notification system. The site NRC resident inspectors have been notified."
The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. | |