Initial report made by licensee to the State of
California at 1330 PST on 03/11/05 via voicemail:
While performing radiography at the BP Refinery located in Carson, CA, a radiography camera source was not fully retracted while disconnecting the guide tube. The camera was an INC Model IR100 Serial #4043, which contains a 90 Curie Iridium-192 source. After performing several operations of the radiography camera (approximately 10 shots) the radiographer approached the camera without his survey instruments. After disconnecting the guide tube, it became apparent to the radiographer and his assistant that there was a problem since their survey instruments were off scale, and when the radiography crew checked their pocket reading dosimeters, they were off scale also. The radiographer used pliers to force the source into the shielded position and secure the camera. The licensee estimates that the radiographer received 1800 millirem whole body, 212 Rem to the hands, and the assistant received 2766 millirem whole body. There are no reported physical manifestations from the exposure at this time. The corporate RSO is flying to the scene of the incident to reenact the events for their investigation. The personal dosimetry for both operators has been sent for processing. The camera will be sent to the manufacturer for evaluation and repair. The State of California will be conducting their own investigation into the event.
- * * UPDATE FROM CALIFORNIA (SALGADO) TO M. RIPLEY AT 1510 EST ON 03/14/05 * * *
The following information was obtained from the State via facsimile (State text in quotes):
3/14/05, 1030 [PST]: Update, licensee is reporting that dosimetry for involved individuals has been processed with results as follow: radiographer shows 1.6 rem, whole body. Assistant shows 2.7 rem, whole body. No physical manifestations displayed at this time. Preliminary written report from licensee pending.
No further information available at this time on refinements to the extremity dose estimates. Notified R4 DO (T. Farnholtz) and
NMSS EO (T. Essig).