Event Notification Report for November 18, 2020
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
11/17/2020 - 11/18/2020
EVENT NUMBERS
55004
55004
Non-Agreement State
Event Number: 55004
Rep Org: Baxter Healthcare of Puerto Rico
Licensee: Baster Healthcare of Puerto Rico
Region: 1
City: Abonito State: PR
County:
License #: 52-21175-01
Agreement: N
Docket: 030-1988
NRC Notified By: Marco Torres
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Lin
Licensee: Baster Healthcare of Puerto Rico
Region: 1
City: Abonito State: PR
County:
License #: 52-21175-01
Agreement: N
Docket: 030-1988
NRC Notified By: Marco Torres
HQ OPS Officer: Brian Lin
Notification Date: 11/19/2020
Notification Time: 10:44 [ET]
Event Date: 11/18/2020
Event Time: 15:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/19/2020
Notification Time: 10:44 [ET]
Event Date: 11/18/2020
Event Time: 15:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 12/19/2020
Emergency Class: Non Emergency
10 CFR Section:
36.83(a)(3) - Damaged Source Racks 21.21(d)(3)(i) - Defects And Noncompliance
10 CFR Section:
36.83(a)(3) - Damaged Source Racks 21.21(d)(3)(i) - Defects And Noncompliance
Person (Organization):
JONATHAN GREIVES (R1DO)
WILLIAM GOTT (IRD)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
- PART 21 MATERIALS (EMAIL)
JONATHAN GREIVES (R1DO)
WILLIAM GOTT (IRD)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICATION (EMAIL)
- PART 21 MATERIALS (EMAIL)
EN Revision Imported Date: 12/21/2020
EN Revision Text: DAMAGED SOURCE RACK
The following was received from the licensee via email:
"Nordion personnel initiated cobalt reloading and source racks' cables replacement activities on November 18, 2020. Irradiator source rack No. 1 was emptied in order to proceed with the source rack cable replacement process. When the rack was lifted from the pool, it was noticed that multiple bars (cross taps) had welding points broken or separated from the rack main structure. All of the radioactive materials are kept stored in safe position inside the pool.
"Two Nordion technicians are providing the guidance and recommendations for the damage observed. As an immediate correction, re-welding has been initiated for all broken weldings and non-damage welding points for both source racks bars (cross taps).
"A report will be provided by Nordion personnel describing the findings, immediate corrective action implemented and long-term recommendations."
The licensee notified NRC Region I.
* * * UPDATE ON 12/19/20 AT 0945 EST FROM MARCO TORRES TO THOMAS HERRITY * * *
The following is a synopsis of the report received from Baxter Healthcare of Puerto Rico:
The racks were original to the irradiator, manufactured in 1982. Both racks were re-welded and inspected by Nordion technicians. Operations were resumed on November 20, 2020. After analysis, new racks with different shaped tubes allowing increased weld surface area were designed and ordered. Expected installation is 1st Quarter 2021. Nordion will inspect source racks every 5 years while servicing the cables and sheaves. An update report will be sent when new racks are confirmed for installation.
Notified R1DO (Ambrosini), IRD (Gott), NMSS Events Notification and Part 21 Group via email.
EN Revision Text: DAMAGED SOURCE RACK
The following was received from the licensee via email:
"Nordion personnel initiated cobalt reloading and source racks' cables replacement activities on November 18, 2020. Irradiator source rack No. 1 was emptied in order to proceed with the source rack cable replacement process. When the rack was lifted from the pool, it was noticed that multiple bars (cross taps) had welding points broken or separated from the rack main structure. All of the radioactive materials are kept stored in safe position inside the pool.
"Two Nordion technicians are providing the guidance and recommendations for the damage observed. As an immediate correction, re-welding has been initiated for all broken weldings and non-damage welding points for both source racks bars (cross taps).
"A report will be provided by Nordion personnel describing the findings, immediate corrective action implemented and long-term recommendations."
The licensee notified NRC Region I.
* * * UPDATE ON 12/19/20 AT 0945 EST FROM MARCO TORRES TO THOMAS HERRITY * * *
The following is a synopsis of the report received from Baxter Healthcare of Puerto Rico:
The racks were original to the irradiator, manufactured in 1982. Both racks were re-welded and inspected by Nordion technicians. Operations were resumed on November 20, 2020. After analysis, new racks with different shaped tubes allowing increased weld surface area were designed and ordered. Expected installation is 1st Quarter 2021. Nordion will inspect source racks every 5 years while servicing the cables and sheaves. An update report will be sent when new racks are confirmed for installation.
Notified R1DO (Ambrosini), IRD (Gott), NMSS Events Notification and Part 21 Group via email.