| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
05/18/2016 - 05/19/2016 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | Non-Agreement State | Event Number: 51821 | Rep Org: CASTLEROCK GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Licensee: CASTLEROCK GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Region: 4
City: BOZEMAN State: MT
County:
License #: 25-29229-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ANDREW TILSKALUS
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA | Notification Date: 03/24/2016
Notification Time: 11:10 [ET]
Event Date: 03/23/2016
Event Time: 14:45 [MDT]
Last Update Date: 05/18/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
| Person (Organization):
MARK HAIRE (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (E-MA)
| Event Text TROXLER DENSITY GAUGE DAMAGED BY SOIL COMPACTOR
While preparing to take a soil density measurement, a soil compactor operator backed up and ran over the Troxler density gauge, damaging the casing of the density gauge. The gauge was examined and inspected and the top of the case was cracked, however, the plunger and source appeared to be intact. The gauge was isolated and returned to its protective case. The gauge was subsequently sent for leak testing to Qual-Tech in Idaho Falls. The gauge has been quarantined and isolated pending the results of the leak testing.
Density gauge information: Troxler model 3430 containing Am-241 - 40 milliCuries and Cs-137 - 8 milliCuries
* * * UPDATE AT 1205 EDT ON 05/18/16 FROM ANDREW TILSKALUS TO S. SANDIN * * *
Qual-Tech replaced the top cover and leak tested the gauge satisfactorily. The gauge was returned to the licensee and placed back in service.
Notified R4DO (Miller) and NMSS Events Notifications via email. |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51879 | Rep Org: WA OFFICE OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Region: 4
City: SEATTLE State: WA
County:
License #: WN-C001-1
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAMES KILLINGBECK
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK | Notification Date: 04/22/2016
Notification Time: 20:00 [ET]
Event Date: 04/20/2016
Event Time: [PDT]
Last Update Date: 05/18/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
HEATHER GEPFORD (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING STATIC IONIZATION SOURCE
The following report was received from the State of Washington via email:
"On 4/21/2016, the Radiation Safety Officer at University of Washington reported by phone and by email that a Po-210 static ionization source was missing from a lab at the Southlake Union [SLU] Campus. The static ionization source had been placed in a cardboard box in preparation for shipment back to NRD [manufacturer]. Someone in the lab thought the box was empty and placed it in the recycling. This was discovered on Monday, and the lab had been searching for it for a couple of days before notifying the Radiation Safety Officer.
"The immediate report value for Po-210 is 100 microCi and the 30 day report value is 1 microCi.
Source information: Isotope: Po-210, Manufacturer: NRD, Model: P-2001, Initial Activity: 5 mCi (May 2015), Current Activity: approximately 1 mCi
Device information: Nuclespot - Static Eliminator, Manufacturer: NRD, Model: P-2042-1000, Serial Number: Not reported.
"The facilities personnel are currently trying to find out from [the recycling company] where the recycling is taken for processing. [The recycling company] picks up recycling from the SLU campus twice a week on Friday and Tuesday. University of Washington Principal Investigator lab informed NRD of the loss. Once their investigation is complete, UW will provide us [WA Office of Radiation Protection] with a written report as required by WAC 246-221-240(2).
"Incident Number: WA-16-018"
* * * UPDATE AT 1541 EDT ON 09/18/16 FROM ANINE GRUMBLES TO S. SANDIN * * *
The following information was received from the State of Washington via email:
"WA-16-018 Po-210 static ionization source missing from University of Washington
"Update and Closure
"University of Washington submitted their final report on the lost Po-210 static eliminator. University of Washington is a Broad Scope A Licensee.
"Their [University of Washington] Radiation Safety staff performed a thorough investigation and search for the source.
"There are a total of six possible routes the source may have taken; all of which end up overseas. Initially, three potential avenues were explored at Recology CleanScapes:
1. If source stayed inside the box with the paper - processed as corrugated cardboard and sent overseas for recycling processing
2. If paper came out of the box and source stayed with paper - processed as mixed paper and sent overseas for recycling process
3. If paper came out of box and source came out of the paper - source would have filtered out into glass recycling stream (includes metal), which is sent to Strategic Materials. The RSO contacted Strategic Materials and identified an additional three possible outcomes for the source, if it made it to the Strategic Materials facility.
4. All incoming material is first passed by a large magnet, if the source housing was ferrous enough the source would have been transferred to a metal recycler. The source model is believed to have an aluminum housing.
5. If the source was not pulled out by the magnet, it was either manually removed by a picker and thrown in the trash, or
6. The source was pulled out by an Eddy Current device and would be in one of the device collection bins. This also would have been thrown in the trash. Staff at both facilities were shown photos of the source and interviewed, and no one had seen or moved the source.
"Ultimately, it is believed that the source, thoroughly wrapped in in paper, in a corrugated box was processed and sent overseas in a bulk cardboard or mixed paper recycle bundle.
"The Registry of Radioactive Sealed Sources and Devices - Safety Evaluation of Device (Number: NY 502 D 108 G) for the P-2042 model indicates an maximum external exposure rate of 0.05 mR/hr on contact with the source. This is equivalent to background radiation levels. It should be noted that the principle emission of Po-210 is an alpha particle, so the exposure falls off rapidly with increasing distance from the source. Therefore, the exposure to any individual handling the source would be negligible. Since Po-210 is an alpha emitter, the highest risk would be to a person who ate the radioactive foil. However, this scenario is extremely unlikely due to the fact that the individual would have to first remove the foil from the housing, and then have a desire to eat the foil.
"Some new additions to the information:
Manufacturer: NRD Inc.
Device Type: Nuclespot - Static Eliminator
Device Model: P-2042-1000
Sealed Source Model Designation: P-2001
Serial Number: A2KG893
NRD Lease Number: 059345
Shipped to UW: 5/21/2015
Original Activity: 5 millicuries
Activity when lost: 1 millicurie
"This source is considered lost and unrecoverable. The assessed health and safety risk is very low. This incident is considered CLOSED."
Notified R4DO (Miller) and NMSS Events Notification via email.
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 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51916 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: ALCOA WORLD ALUMINA ATLANTIC
Region: 4
City: POINT COMFORT State: TX
County:
License #: 05186
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: IRENE CASARES
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 05/10/2016
Notification Time: 17:03 [ET]
Event Date: 05/09/2016
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/10/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
VIVIAN CAMPBELL (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FIXED NUCLEAR GAUGE STUCK SHUTTER
The following information was received via E-mail:
"On May 10, 2016, the Agency [Texas Depart of State Health Services] received notification from the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that the shutter on a Thermo Fisher Scientific Model 5176-SN B2578 density gauge, containing a 500 millicurie cesium-137 source SN MA3200, was found open during inventory/operational checks. It appears the weld had failed on the gauge. Open is the normal operating position of the gauge shutter. The gauge does not create an exposure hazard to the licensee's employees or a member of the general public. The licensee has contacted the service company who will inspect the gauge. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident #: I-9399 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51919 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: NOT PROVIDED
Region: 4
City: FORT WORTH State: TX
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: IRENE CASARES
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 05/11/2016
Notification Time: 19:11 [ET]
Event Date: 12/02/2015
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/11/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
VIVIAN CAMPBELL (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFIC (EMAI)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - UNPLANNED CONTAMINATION EVENT
The following information was received via E-mail:
"On May 11, 2016, the licensee's radiation safety officer reported an unplanned contamination event which occurred on December 2, 2015. The RSO stated he did not think this was a reportable event until his medical physicist instructed him to report the incident. During treatment of a patient, a radioactive capsule of I-131 was provided to a patient. The patient had problems swallowing the capsule. The patient eventually chewed the capsule and in the minutes following had an episode, expelling the capsule and other bodily fluids. The bodily fluid was collected in a bag, although some of the fluid dripped onto the floor. The droplets which fell on the floor were collected and placed in a collection bag. The floor was cleaned and the bag containing all the waste items was taken to nuclear medicine for decay prior to disposal. The area was covered with an adsorbent pad. Readings on the surface were 38 mR/hr and 1.8 mR/hr at one meter. A mobile lead wall/shield was put in place to restrict the area. Radiation caution signs were also placed in the area with a do not enter sign on the door leading to the room. The room remained restricted for more than 24 hours. On February 25, 2016 the area was released at background readings. As of March 25, 2016 the waste bag remains in storage awaiting disposal.
"The Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] has withheld the name of the licensee in accordance with Texas state law."
Texas Incident #: I-9401 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51920 | Rep Org: OHIO BUREAU OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Licensee: CTL ENGINEERING, INC.
Region: 3
City: COLUMBUS State: OH
County:
License #: 312100250018
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: STEPHEN JAMES
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 05/11/2016
Notification Time: 17:37 [ET]
Event Date: 04/14/2016
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/11/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
ERIC DUNCAN (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
ILTAB (EMAI)
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3 " level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - THEFT AND RECOVERY OF A PORTABLE GAUGE
The following information was received by email:
"On 4/13/16 CPN Model MC Series gauge was left in marked licensee vehicle parked outside technician's home in Columbus at end of work day, reportedly properly secured in vehicle with two independent locking devices. Gauge contains 10 mCi Cs-137 and 50 mCi Am-241:Be sources.
"Technician found gauge missing when came out to go to work on 4/14/16. Technician claims RSO was notified, RSO does not recall. No police report was filed and no report was made to ODH [Ohio Department of Health] at that time.
"On 5/10/16, gauge was found in vacant lot during separate police investigation. Police called fire department HAZMAT unit. Transport case was not locked, but gauge rod was locked. Licensee was identified by paperwork in the transport case. Licensee was contacted by fire department to retrieve gauge. Licensee RSO took possession of gauge and returned it to office in Columbus.
"On 5/11/16 licensee reported theft and recovery of gauge to ODH. ODH investigators visited site to determine cause of incident and reasons for lack of notifications."
Ohio Item Number: OH160003
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 |
| Agreement State | Event Number: 51921 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: MISTRAS GROUP INC
Region: 4
City: TEXAS CITY State: TX
County:
License #: 06369
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KAREN BLANCHARD
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 05/11/2016
Notification Time: 18:48 [ET]
Event Date: 05/11/2016
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 05/13/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
VIVIAN CAMPBELL (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (NMSS)
PATRICIA MILLIGAN (NSIR)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - POTENTIAL OVEREXPOSURE TO RAD WORKER
The following information was received via E-mail:
"On May 11, 2016, the licensee called the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] to report a potential overexposure. The licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) had only initial information at the time of the report. He reported one of the licensee's radiographers had taped the guide tube (with collimator attached) to a jig in order to perform an exposure. During the exposure, the guide tube fell. The radiographer failed to retract the source before he walked to the end of the guide tube, picked it up, and taped it back on the jig. The RSO is investigating to get the details of the event. The radiographer's dosimetry badge has been sent for immediate processing. The radiographer was using a QSA 880D device with a 34.8 Curie iridium-192 source. More information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300."
Texas Incident #: I-9402
* * * UPDATE FROM KAREN BLANCHARD TO VINCE KLCO AT 5/13/16 AT 1700 EDT * * *
The following information was received from the State of Texas by email:
"UPDATE: Licensee completed a re-enactment of the situation using video tape and empty camera with attachments. The re-enactment demonstrated that the person placed his left hand on the collimator and included inserting his middle finger into the port hole on the collimator. The RSO completed dose calculations of 467 Rem to the finger. The badge results displayed 307 mRem whole body dose. The badge was worn for approximately eight days for this month. The finger appears to show slight redness, otherwise no visible effects at present time (3 days after event). Blood work was drawn and the person is scheduled for another doctor visit on Monday. The Agency has not received the detailed calculations and has not concurred with this dose estimate. Another update will be provided as information is acquired."
Notified the R4DO (Campbell). Notified NMSS Events, Angela McIntosh and Patricia Milligan via email. |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 51941 | Facility: SUMMER
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [ ] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-AP1000,[3] W-AP1000
NRC Notified By: DEAN KERSEY
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ | Notification Date: 05/18/2016
Notification Time: 08:13 [ET]
Event Date: 05/17/2016
Event Time: 12:49 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 05/18/2016 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
| Person (Organization):
GEORGE HOPPER (R2DO)
FFD GROUP (E-MA)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
|
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX CRIT | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode | | 2 | N | N | 0 | Under Construction | 0 | Under Construction | | 3 | N | N | 0 | Under Construction | 0 | Under Construction | Event Text FITNESS-FOR-DUTY CONFIRMED POSITIVE
A contract supervisor had a confirmed positive for illegal drugs during a for-cause fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plant has been terminated.
The licensee notified the NRC Construction Resident Inspector. | |