Information Notice No.80-17 – Potential Hazards Associated With Interchangeable Parts on Radiographic Equipment

                                                          SSINS No.: 6870  
                                                          Accession No.:   
                                                          8002290670       

                                UNITED STATES
                       NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 
                    OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT 
                          WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555  
                                     
                                May 5, 1980  

                                           Information Notice No. 80-17 

POTENTIAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS ON RADIOGRAPHIC 
EQUIPMENT 

Description of Circumstances: 

We have been advised of a potentially hazardous condition involving the 
interchangeability of locking mechanisms in certain radiographic exposure 
devices. 

It is reported that SPEC 2-T and Gamma Pipeliner locking mechanisms are of 
the same size diameter. It was determined that the Gamma Pipeliner mechanism
can be installed in the SPEC 2-T camera. However, the locking mechanism, 
when locked, will not secure the source in the safe position because the 
locking lug is too short to engage the stop ball on the pigtail. 

If you are authorized to possess these devices, you should discuss this 
specific matter with your radiographic personnel. Additionally, you should 
discuss the general problems that might result from the interchanging of 
parts. You may want to address this matter in your training program and in 
your procedures. 

This Information Notice provides information about a potential safety 
concern. No written response is required. If you desire additional 
information regarding this matter, contact the Director of the appropriate 
Regional Office.