ABSTRACT: (where, when, how, why; cause, contributing factors, corrective actions, consequences, Dept. of Health (DOH) on-site investigation; media attention):
The licensee's radiation contact individual notified Washington Department of Health (DOH) on 18 May 2007 that their Niton XLp 818 device's [used for metal composition identification] shutter mechanism malfunctioned. It contains a 30-millicurie americium-241 sealed source.
On the morning of May 17, 2007 when the licensee attempted to start their analyzer, it failed to start properly. They called the manufacturer who was unable rectify the problem over the phone. They performed a shutter test using a Ludlum Model 19 survey meter; the reading was approximately 90 microR per hour which was greater than expected. As instructed by the manufacturer's service representative, the analyzer was packaged, properly labeled and shipped back to the manufacturer's location in Rhode Island via Federal Express. The manufacturer will repair the malfunction and perform shutter and device leak tests.
DOH verified with the manufacturer's technical contact that the proper packaging included lead shielding adequate to completely shield the source and shutter, even if the shutter was stuck full open.
No DOH on-site investigation. No known media attention.
Notification Reporting Criteria:
Per WAC 246-233-020 General License - Certain measuring, gauging or controlling devices.
Isotope and Activity involved: one 30-millicurie americium-241 sealed source.
Overexposures? Unknown but most likely not. The unit was functioning properly on 16 May 2007, but first thing in the morning on 17 May 2007 the unit would not start up properly. It was then the malfunction was discovered. No workers were exposed. The RCI (radiation contact individual) and one supervisor were the only people to handle this instrument after it had failed.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged? (mfg., model, serial number): No loss or stolen. No obvious damage. It did not appear that it was dropped or anything happened to it between shut down on 16 May 2007 and start up on 17 May 2007.
Leak test? Shutter tests have been performed and documented every six months. Most recent leak test was 13 December 2005 (no contamination, < 0.000002 microcuries).
WA report number : WA-07-048