N.C. Radiation Protection Section was notified on 01 May 2006 by the
RSO for Carolina Environmental, Inc. of the theft of a Niton Model XLP 303-A portable Spectrum Analyzer (Serial No. 7225). The
gauge contained one sealed source: (1)
Cd-109, 40 millicuries, source. The device was
stolen from vehicle between 04-26-06 and 04-29-06 (exact date and time unknown). The device was stored in a grey plastic pelican style medium sized suitcase Exterior labeling and security on the case is unknown at this time. The vehicle had been in the Boston, [Massachusetts] area during this time frame.
The NC Radiation Protection Section is investigating compliance issues related to the NC licensee.
N.C. Radiation Protection Section is notifying the regional FBI, the N.C Highway Patrol, the State Bureau of Investigation, Nuclear Regulatory Operations Center, Massachusetts Radiation Control Program, local Massachusetts law enforcement are being informed by the victim of theft.
- * * UPDATE FROM L. COX TO P. SNYDER AT 1315 ON 5/2/06 * * *
The spectrum analyzer reported as stolen yesterday in Boston, Massachusetts as part of a reciprocity agreement was reported found today. The licensee said that the source was removed from the vehicle by a family member and stored without the custodian's knowledge. The licensee identified this on 5/2/06 and will contact local law enforcement and the state of Massachusetts about the recovery of the anayzer as well. The state of North Carolina will continue to follow this event and report additional information as it becomes available.
Notified R1DO (R. Bellamy) and NMSS (G. Morell).
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
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.