Event Notification Report for August 24, 2022

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - INDIVIDUAL EXPOSED TO RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

The following event was received by the New York State Department of Health [the Department] via email:

"On 8/15/22, the Radiation Safety Officer of NRD, LLC notified the Department that an individual may have been exposed to radioactive materials. At approximately 1145 EDT, the continuous air monitoring system located in the Rolling Room area of the Isotope Production Lab triggered an alarm. All associates immediately exited the lab per established protocol. Nasal smears were collected and accounted for all six lab personnel. With exception of one individual, all other personnel's nasal smear results were below the facility's 500 dpm [disintegrations per minute] threshold. One individual produced a nasal smear reading of 725 dpm in the left nostril and 781 dpm in the right nostril. This employee was instructed to blow their nose twice and a second nasal smear test was performed. The nasal smear readings were 27 dpm and 30 dpm respectively. Blank samples that were counted along with the nasal smears were 39 dpm and 7 dpm respectively.

"The effected individual was removed from working with radioactive material and has begun a 24-hour bioassay collection. A root cause investigation into the cause of the air alarm and the positive nasal smear is underway. The air monitor filter paper was replaced and the activity displayed on the continuous air monitor system returned to normal levels, indicating that the cause of the alarm was a very short duration event."

New York Event Number: NYDOH-22-4

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING ELECTRON CAPTURE DETECTOR
The following information was provided via email from the Alabama Department of Public Health [the Agency]:

"On June 12, 2022, General License Registrant, Giant Resource Recovery (GRR), Attalla, Inc. was preparing three Nickel-63 electron capture detectors (ECD) that had previously been removed from service for transfer to an approved vendor for disposal. Prior to packing for shipment, the devices were leak tested.

"On August 11, 2022, GRR received notification from its third party vendor, Monitoring Services, that ECD Varian model #02-001972-00, serial #A11378 had a result of removable activity greater that 0.005 microcuries (1.65E-2). This was reported to the Agency by contacting the 24-hour duty officer at 1317 [CDT] on August 15, 2022. The duty officer requested a report and follow-up information once the ECD was transferred to an approved vendor for disposal."

Alabama event: 22-12

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - IMPORTED EQUIPMENT TRIPPED RADIATION ALARM AT PORT OF ENTRY
The following information was received from the state of Florida via email:

"Bureau of Radiation Control (BRC) in Tallahassee received an email this morning from Customs and Border Control (CBP), Jacksonville Seaport, Blount Island Terminal, regarding an excavator imported from Yokohama, Japan on Friday, August 12th, which they received a radiation alarm on. After the alarm, CBP isolated the radiation to an area towards the front passenger side of the excavator where they identified Cs-137 and Cs-134. The average dose rate was 21.5 microR/hr. at approximately 3 feet away (about 4x background) during a 10 minute acquisition using a handheld NaI [sodium iodide] 2x2 [inch] RadSeeker detector. BRC determined the excavator poses minimal risk, if any, to the general public and is safe to release for transport to Kissimmee, FL for auction. BRC will follow up once it arrives at end destination."

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - UNABLE TO RETRACT RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA SOURCE

The following information was received from the state of Texas via email:

"On August 16, 2022, the licensee reported that they were unable to retract a radiography source into a Spec 150 Camera at approximately 1233 [CDT] at a temporary job site. The camera contained a 45 Curie Iridium-192 source. The two radiographers reported the issue to the site Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and stepped back beyond the boundary. The site RSO arrived within the hour. Lead shielding was placed over the guide tube. The site RSO got another licensee employee to assist and they straightened out a rigid guide tube which was attached to a flexible guide tube. They eventually added more lead shielding and disconnected the rigid guide tube from the flexible guide tube. At that point the source retrieved freely into the camera. They believe a pebble which fell out of guide tube was blocking the source from moving. Both individuals were authorized to conduct source retrieval. The site RSO received the highest dose of 30 mrem during the retrieval. Further information will be provided per SA-300."

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SHUTTER
The following report was received via email by the Iowa Department of Public Health:

"A fixed gauge [Isotope Measuring Systems, Inc., Model Number 5221-02, with an Am-241 5 Ci source] was given indications of improper function. When workers entered with the survey meter, they identified radiation levels were elevated, indicating a stuck shutter. The gauge and gauge assembly were rolled into an isolated and secured in a storage facility. Their service provider will be on scene tomorrow [8/18/22] to assess the fixed gauge. Initial cause is a partial closing of the shutter due to a faulty screw. The licensee in pursuing replacement of fixed gauges due to the age of the devices."

Iowa Event Number: IA220005