During routine inspection of general licensed devices at Shell Lubricants, it was discovered that the company could not account for two (2) Metorex X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzers. The facility has changed ownership since the last inspection and records were not well maintained of receipt/transfer and leak tests. The licensee conducted a search of the facility after the inspection and did not locate the devices. They also contacted personnel that had been previously employed in the facility as well as the maintenance supervisor, who had no information of the location or disposal of the devices. The Metorex Models were a HEPS X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, containing a 60 millicurie Curium-244 source, Serial No. 206734, and a LEPS X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, containing a 40 millicurie Iron-55 source, Serial No. 206777.
Describe clean-up actions taken by DRH: After determining all other radioactive devices were accounted for, DRH helped search for the lost devices, but could not locate them.
Case Closed: No
Enforcement action taken: Investigation ongoing. Licensee cited violations for lost devices and failure to maintain records of receipt/transfer. Also required to send DRH a report about lost devices and corrective actions.
Mississippi Report Number: MS-05-004
Sources that are "Less than
IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as
moisture density gauges or thickness
gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks.