ENS 45480
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
05:00 Nov 3, 2009 | |
| Title | Agreement State Report Involving Leaking Irradiator Source |
| Event Description | New York does not publish the name, address or license number of its licensees in incident reporting to the NRC.
The following information was received via e-mail: Event description: Best Theratronics was performing a security upgrade (hardening) on an AECL Gamma Cell 40 irradiator, containing AECL Model Number C-161 cesium-137 sources, and discovered radioactive contamination indicating a 'leaking' source. Coincidently, [Department of Health representatives] arrived at the licensee's facility for a planned site visit at noon on 11/03/09, and were able to assess the situation with the vendor and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The engineers noticed that one of the pneumatic source drive mechanisms moved noticeably slower than the other. They removed the pneumatic drive assemblies and manually moved the source drive rods. They noted excessive resistance to movement and noticed corrosion (rust) on the source rod. They wiped the rusty material and measured the wipe with a thin-window GM detector, which indicated radioactive contamination. Further sample analysis confirmed removable cesium 137 (isotopic analysis) in excess of the leak test limit. The contamination is limited to the areas of the source drive components only. Radiological surveys were performed on personnel, tools, the room, etc. with negative findings. In consultation with the service engineers, the RSO, and [Department of Health representatives], the decision was made to abandon the hardening procedure. The unit was reassembled and taken out of service. DOH will work with the licensee to determine what options, if any, exist for disposal of the unit. DOH will also follow-up with Best Theratronics in regard to their procedures for PM (i.e., is leak testing performed in areas such as the drive mechanism during routine PM service or during hardening). Also, we will inquire about actions such as a notice to owners and/or assessment of other licensee's units, etc. Contamination on both source rods may indicate a generic source integrity issue. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| New York State Dept. Of Health New York (NRC Region 1) | |
| Organization: | New York State Dept. Of Health |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+82.05 h3.419 days <br />0.488 weeks <br />0.112 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Robert Dansereau 15:03 Nov 6, 2009 |
| NRC Officer: | Eric Simpson |
| Last Updated: | Nov 6, 2009 |
| 45480 - NRC Website | |
New York Department of Health with Agreement State | |||
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