| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center Event Reports For
04/06/2009 - 04/07/2009 ** EVENT NUMBERS ** |
 | General Information or Other | Event Number: 44949 | Rep Org: FLORIDA BUREAU OF RADIATION CONTROL
Licensee: MAYO CLINIC
Region: 1
City: JACKSONVILLE State: FL
County:
License #: 1812-3
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: STEVE FURNACE
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD | Notification Date: 04/01/2009
Notification Time: 08:48 [ET]
Event Date: 03/31/2009
Event Time: [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/01/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
MEL GRAY (R1)
ANGELA McINTOSH (FSME)
ILTAB (email) ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST I-125 SEED
The following information was received from the State of Florida via fax:
"Cardinal Health working under Mayo Clinic license lost one I-125 seed. Sterilization room and adjoining spaces and personnel were surveyed. It is speculated that the source entered the internal plumbing of the sterilizer. The pipes are of sufficient thickness to prevent external detection. It is surmised by Mayo RSO that Cardinal Health personnel did not follow procedure. RSO estimates that remaining activity as of 31 Mar 2009 is 150 micro Ci's [original activity 300 micro Ci's], with no increased exposure to Cardinal Health staff. Mayo Clinic will work with Cardinal Health staff to modify procedure to ensure source cannot escape vial or tray during sterilization. In addition, retraining will be conducted with all Cardinal health staff involved. Any further investigation is referred to Materials and Licensing. This office will take no further action on this incident."
The Florida Incident Number for this event is FL09-030.
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.
This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44954 | Rep Org: NE DIV OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
Licensee: SPORTS AUTHORITY #625
Region: 4
City: OMAHA State: NE
County:
License #: GL0542
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: TRUDY HILL
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 12:44 [ET]
Event Date: 03/03/2009
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
ILTAB Email ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LOST TRITIUM EXIT SIGN
The following information was received from the State of Nebraska via email:
"The owner of the building requested that the exit signs be removed when the store closed. The store had all of the exit signs removed. One sign was not located. They do not know where the sign is or if they ever had the sign. Records indicate that the sign had been shipped 5-6-1998 from SRB Technologies but it is unknown whether it was ever installed at this location. It contained 9.21 Ci of H-3 and Model number was BXU1-GS and serial number 205249"
NE Report # 090007
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.
This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44955 | Rep Org: NE DIV OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
Licensee: ELKHORN VALLEY ETHANOL
Region: 4
City: NORFOLK State: NE
County:
License #: GL0692
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: TRUDY HILL
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 12:57 [ET]
Event Date: 03/16/2009
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
ILTAB Email ()
|
| This material event contains a "Less than Cat 3" level of radioactive material. | Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - MISSING TRITIUM EXIT SIGNS
The following information was received from the State of Nebraska via email:
"H-3 exits signs were shipped to the ethanol facility in December of 2006. Fagan was the contractor for the ethanol plant. The new Plant Manager did an inventory of the facility in March of 2009 and discovered two missing exit signs. SRB Technologies Model BX-20-BK, Serial # C061306 and C061307, containing 17.51 Ci of H-3. The Manager was not sure if a physical inventory had been done before. He contacted Fagan to see if they had any information concerning the signs. They did not. Nebraska has reported missing H-3 exit signs that Fagan ordered for other ethanol plants in Nebraska. No one is sure if the signs were ever installed in the plant."
NE Report Number NE090008
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.
This source is not amongst those sources or devices identified by the IAEA Code of Conduct for the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources to be of concern from a radiological standpoint. Therefore is it being categorized as a less than Category 3 source |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44956 | Rep Org: MISSISSIPPI DIV OF RAD HEALTH
Licensee: ACUREN INSPECTION
Region: 4
City: PASCAGOULA State: MS
County:
License #: MS-784-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JAYSON MOAK
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 11:25 [ET]
Event Date: 03/23/2009
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ANGELA MCINTOSH (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - SOURCE RETRACTION CHALLENGES
The following information was received from the State of Mississippi via Email:
"On 03-23-2009, Licensee's radiographic crew were unable to return the source [Source Model 424-9; SN 51178B; IR-192; 51.3 Ci] to the shielded and safe position while performing NDT radiography (RT) profile inspection at the Chevron Refinery [located in Pascagoula, MS] using a Sentinal Delta 880 radiography camera (D-2549), QSA cranks, and a QSA source tube. The radiography crew increased their barrier, notified the RSO and field operator of the situation. The two technicians maintained the security of their barrier while awaiting arrival of the RSO.
"Acuren's RSO notified the site manager, supervisor, assistant RSO, Chevron's RSO, and a Chevron company representative. Once a meeting was held to devise a plan for source retraction the source was retracted within one (1) hour. Dose received [by the RSO and the associate RSO] during the retraction of the source was 90 mR and 25 mR, respectively. The [two technician] radiography crew received a dose of 45 mR and 65 mR, respectively. There were not any non-occupational or over-exposures received.
"Licensee concluded that during the course of the source retraction and investigation, it was determined that the source tube had a crimp in it. The positioning of the source tube during radiographic operations could have been the cause of the hang up, but all equipment was shipped to QSA-Global Inspection to determine if equipment failure contributed to the incident.
"Licensee stated inspection report from QSA-Global Inspection will be reviewed and sent to DRH [Mississippi Division of Radiological Health]. Licensee has implemented safety meetings and additional training before the crew involved can resume radiographic operations, to cover proper equipment use, inspection, safety notification processes, proper inspection techniques, and equipment limitations.
"DRH received written report from licensee on 04-01-2009. DRH called licensee on 04-01-2009 to verify source activity and ask about licensee's investigation. DRH also requested 24 hr telephone notification from the licensee in the future."
MS report number - MS-784-01. |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44958 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: CONAM INSPECTION & ENGINEERING INC.
Region: 4
City: PASADENA State: TX
County:
License #: 05010
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 17:39 [ET]
Event Date: 10/18/2006
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT- INABILITY TO RETRACT RADIOGRAPHY SOURCE
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On October 19, 2006, the agency received a call from the licensee reporting a problem on a radiography camera at a temporary job site. The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) stated that he had received a call from his radiography trainer stating that the technician had set a radiography camera on a 2" pipe about 2 feet off the ground in preparation to take an exposure. With the source cranked out, the camera fell over and bent the source tube. The trainer tried to crank the source in to the camera and was not successful. The trainer then tried to crank it out, but was still unsuccessful. The trainer then put 14"x17" lead cassettes and two lead shot bags around the source to shield it. The RSO surveyed the area upon his arrival and verified that the barricade boundary was below 2 millirem per hour. Next, he surveyed the camera area, with results of 10 millirem per hour. The RSO noted that the camera was in an area that was surrounded by several pumps and cement blocks, so additional on-site inherent shielding was provided to protect members of the public. The RSO straightened out the source tube with a pair of pliers and retracted the source back into the camera. He estimated that the retrieval process took him approximately five minutes. The trainer and trainee were suspended from any additional radiography operation until their TLDs are read. Both the trainer and trainee received disciplinary reports in their personnel files and all employees were informed of the event. This file is closed.
"This event was reported using the NMED reporting system and not to the HOO [NRC Headquarters Operations Officer]. Failure to properly report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas from September 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting.
"In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP [State of Texas Incident Investigation Program] was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Report: I-8369 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44959 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: METCO
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 03018
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 17:50 [ET]
Event Date: 01/28/2008
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA MALFUNTION
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On January 28, 2008, the Agency was notified by the licensee that a radiographer was doing work in one of their shooting bays when a 35.7 curie Iridium -192 source would not retract into the radiography camera. The radiographer used an installed video camera to look into the room and saw that the component he was working on had fallen and crimped the guide tube attached to the camera. The source was cranked to the end of the guide tube, and two attempts to straighten the guide tube and retract the source failed. A source retrieval supervisor then entered the room and placed lead bags over the end of the source guide tube and placed a lead sheet over the lead bags. The supervisor attempted to reshape the section of the guide tube that had been damaged using a hammer. This also did not work. Finally, the supervisor cut the damaged section of the guide tube out and the source was then retracted to the camera. The reported exposure for this event was 15 millirem. The radiographer received additional instruction on proper set up and operation of a radiography camera. This file is closed.
"This event was reported within 24 hours of the event using the NMED reporting system and not to the HOO [NRC Headquarters Operations Officer]. Failure to properly report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas from September 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. This review was initiated in response to the State of Texas Incident Investigation Program (IIP) determining that they had failed to correctly interpret the requirements for reporting this type of event. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting. In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Report: I - 8604 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44960 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: PETROCHEM INSPECTION SERVICES INC
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 04460
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 18:19 [ET]
Event Date: 05/20/2007
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOGRAPHY SOURCE UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE FULLY SHIELDED POSITION
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On June 4, 2007, the Agency was notified by the licensee personnel that while performing industrial radiography using a QSA Global Model 660 exposure device serial number B- 2515, with a 61 Ci, IR-192 source, serial number 34471B, one of the radiography crews had an exposure device fall, causing a severe crimp in the source guide tube. As a result of the crimp, the source was not able to be returned to the fully shielded position. Licensee personnel expanded the radiation boundary and shielded the source until authorized personnel could retrieve the source. The source was retrieved and the source guide was returned to the manufacturer for repair. This event is closed.
"Failure to report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas. This review was initiated in response to the State of Texas Incident Investigation Program (IIP) determining that they had failed to correctly interpret the requirements for reporting this type of event. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting.
"In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Report: I-8419 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44961 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: METCO
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #: 03018
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 18:37 [ET]
Event Date: 10/18/2007
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - INABILITY TO RETRACT RADIOGRAPHY SOURCE
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On November 9 2007, the agency was notified by the licensee of an event that occurred while they were performing radiography operations at a remote location. The licensee reported that the guide tube on a radiography camera containing a 75 curie Iridium (Ir) - 192 source was damaged, preventing them from being able to retrieve the radiation source back into the camera. The radiographer contacted the licensee's main office and was instructed to monitor the area and restrict access until the source retrieval supervisor arrived at the location. The supervisor was able to remove the crimp in the guide tube, allowing them to sufficiently retract the source into the camera. No exposures were received that exceeded regulatory limits. The licensee is redesigning their holder to prevent this from occurring in the future and provided additional training to their personnel. This event is closed.
"This event was reported within 24 hours of the event using the NMED reporting system and not to the HOO [NRC Headquarters Operations Officer]. Failure to properly report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas from September 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. This review was initiated in response to the State of Texas Incident Investigation Program (IIP) determining that they had failed to correctly interpret the requirements for reporting this type of event. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting.
"In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Report: I-8454 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44962 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: DESERT INDUSTRIAL X-RAY LP
Region: 4
City: ABILENE State: TX
County:
License #: 04590
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 17:47 [ET]
Event Date: 11/25/2008
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA MALFUNCTION
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On November 25, 2008, the Agency was notified by the licensee that a source disconnect had occurred while using an INC IR - 100 radiography camera containing an 80 curie Iridium -192 source. While the licensee was collecting information on this event, they received a phone call informing them that the source involved with the event had failed the latest leak test performed on it. A source recovery team was sent to the location and returned the source to the radiography camera. A second leak test was taken on November 26, 2008. The company performing the analysis of the leak test informed the licensee that both the first and the second test were both within acceptable limits. The first test had been misinterpreted. The disconnect was determined to have caused by a worn connection in the pigtail. The pigtail was sent to the manufacturer for repair. All exposures to individuals involved in this event were well below applicable limits. This file is closed.
"This event was reported within 24 hours of the event using the NMED reporting system and not to the HOO [NRC Headquarters Operations Officer]. Failure to properly report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas from September 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. This review was initiated in response to the State of Texas Incident Investigation Program (IIP) determining that they had failed to correctly interpret the requirements for reporting this type of event. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting. In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Number: I - 8583 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44963 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: METCO
Region: 4
City: HOUSTON State: TX
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 18:54 [ET]
Event Date: 01/05/2008
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT- RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA MALFUNCTION
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On February 5, 2008, the Agency was notified by the licensee that one of their crews had contacted their office and informed them that the guide tube on their camera had detached from the camera housing and a 91.4 curie Iridium (Ir) 192 source could not be retracted into the camera. The crew was instructed to maintain surveillance of the area until the source recovery team got to their location. Once there, the source recovery team determined that the source drive cable was no longer in the gear housing. They then cut the drive cable housing about one foot from the gear housing. The drive cable was located, and they manually pulled the cable and returned the source to the shielded position. The cause of the failure was determined to be a build up of material in the threads of the camera where the guide tube connected to it. This prevented the guide tube from adequately threading into the camera and allowing the guide tube to separate from the camera during use. The camera was inspected and cleaned. All cameras of similar design were also inspected. No other cameras were found to have the same problem. This event is closed.
"This event was reported within 24 hours of the event using the NMED reporting system and not to the HOO [NRC Headquarters Operations Officer]. Failure to properly report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas from September 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. This review was initiated in response to the State of Texas Incident Investigation Program (IIP) determining that they had failed to correctly interpret the requirements for reporting this type of event. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting.
"In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Report: I- 8480 |
| General Information or Other | Event Number: 44964 | Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: ACUREN INSPECTION INC
Region: 4
City: LA PORTE State: TX
County:
License #: I - 8495
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: JOHN KNOKE | Notification Date: 04/02/2009
Notification Time: 17:45 [ET]
Event Date: 03/19/2008
Event Time: [CDT]
Last Update Date: 04/02/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
AGREEMENT STATE
| Person (Organization):
RICK DEESE (R4)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIORAGRAPHY CAMERA MALFUNCTION
The following information was received from the State of Texas via Email:
"On February 19, 2008, an industrial radiography trainee working with two trainers at a chemical plant in La Porte, TX observed that his survey meter remained off-scale despite his attempt to crank the source into the shielded position. The device was a QSA Model 880, serial number D3759 containing a 76.7 curie Ir-192 sealed source QSA model A424-9. At that time the radiographers established a 360 degree barricade at the 2mR/hr level and notified the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) who was out of town. The RSO called a specific licensee authorized by the State of Texas to perform source retrievals. Visual watch over the area was maintained by four employees as some radiation fields extended outside a fenced area. The retrieval was performed in an uneventful manner and although the camera was returned to a fully operational state, the company decided to take the camera out of service and have it fully inspected by the manufacturer. This event is closed.
"This event was reported within 24 hours of the event using the NMED reporting system and not to the HOO [NRC Headquarters Operations Officer]. Failure to properly report this event was determined after a review was conducted of all radiography related events reported in the State of Texas from September 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009. This review was initiated in response to the State of Texas Incident Investigation Program (IIP) determining that they had failed to correctly interpret the requirements for reporting this type of event. The state used 10 CFR 34.101 to report these events, and not 10 CFR 30.50(b)(a), due to conflicting interpretations of NRC rules requiring reporting. In an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of this, each member of IIP was required to read Information Notice 2001-03, Incident Reporting Requirements for Radiography Licenses, dated April 6, 2001. In addition, the IIP database has been changed to clarify the reporting requirement and bring it in line with the NRC requirements."
Texas Incident Number: I - 8495 |
| Power Reactor | Event Number: 44972 | Facility: NORTH ANNA
Region: 2 State: VA
Unit: [1] [2] [ ]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-3-LP
NRC Notified By: JAMES JOHNSTONE
HQ OPS Officer: DAN LIVERMORE | Notification Date: 04/06/2009
Notification Time: 14:18 [ET]
Event Date: 04/06/2009
Event Time: 12:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/06/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
| Person (Organization):
BRIAN BONSER (R2)
LAWRENCE DOERFLEIN (R1)
NADER MAMISH (NMSS)
|
| 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 TRUCK ENGINE FIRE WITH CONTAMINATED MATERIAL IN TRAILER
"At ~ 1230 EDT on 04/06/09, the Virginia DOT was notified that a truck shipment from North Anna to Surry Power Station containing radioactive contaminated equipment had caught on fire.
"The fire was contained to the truck tractor engine compartment, and was put out with no radioactive release having occurred. The trailer is on state route 522, approximately 1 mile from route 33 in Louisa County, Virginia, within 10 miles of North Anna.
"The truck is not drivable at this time. North Anna management and Health Physics personnel are at the site. The station NRC residents are also at the site. Media personnel are present.
"The shipment type is described by the state DOT as: 'Radioactive Material Surface Contaminated Objects, SCO-II, 7, UN 2913 Fissile Excepted'. Activity: 7.82 millicuries total in 2 containers, or 2.89 E2 MBq. The materials were GSI-191 support equipment and tools, grating covers, and herculite wrapped Styrofoam." |
| Other Nuclear Material | Event Number: 44974 | Rep Org: DOW CHEMICAL
Licensee: DOW CHEMICAL
Region: 3
City: MIDLAND State: MI
County: MIDLAND
License #: 21-00265-06
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JIM WELDY
HQ OPS Officer: DAN LIVERMORE | Notification Date: 04/06/2009
Notification Time: 16:50 [ET]
Event Date: 04/06/2009
Event Time: 08:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 04/06/2009 | Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
| Person (Organization):
ROBERT DALEY (R3)
ROBERT LEWIS (FSME)
| Event Text LEVEL GAUGE SHUTTER FAILURE
The shutter for an Ohmart SHRM-B strip source containing 12 millicuries of CS-137 failed in the open position. The source is used as a level instrument with the shutter normally open for this application. For the past two weeks the licensee attempted to close the shutter without success. On April 6, 2009 at 0830 the shutter pin broke while employees were attempting to once again close the shutter. There were no personnel radiation exposures during this event.
The licensee is devising a method to shield the source and remove it for shipment to a repair facility. | |