Event Notification Report for December 21, 2020

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.

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - UNRETRACTABLE SOURCE

The following report was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services (the Agency) via email:

"On December 12, 2020, the Agency was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that on December 11, 2020, they were unable to retract a source string composed of 16 strontium - 90 sources with a total activity of 36 milliCuries to the fully shielded position. The RSO stated they had completed the treatment of a patient using a Best Vascular model A1000 brachytherapy device and Novoste Beta-Cath Delivery System and when they attempted to retract the source to the shielded position, the source stuck just outside the device. The source did retract outside the patient. The source and associated equipment were placed in a shield box and have been placed in storage. The RSO stated neither the patient or individuals operating the device received any additional exposure from the event. The RSO stated the patient received the prescribed dose from the treatment. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300."

Texas Incident Number: 9816

ACCUMULATOR DISCHARGE VALVES ISOLATED WITH PLANT GREATER THAN 1000 PSIG

"On December 17, 2020 at 1539 EST, with Harris Nuclear Plant Unit 1 preparing for entry into Mode 4, the Reactor Coolant System was pressurized greater than 1000 psig for approximately 15 minutes with all three Cold Leg Injection Accumulator Discharge Valves closed. This event is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). Both Low Head and High Head Safety Injection Systems were operable at this time.

"This condition does not affect the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified."