The following information was received from the Commonwealth of
Virginia via email:
On July 8, 2010 the licensee reported a missing thickness gauge, NDC Model 103, serial number 3794. The gauge contains a 150 milliCurie Americium-241 sealed source. The gauge had been in storage for several years and was last visually verified in March 2010. It was discovered to be missing on the morning of July 8th. The licensee stated that the original labels were on the gauge and that the gauge housing was intact. The licensee has initiated a site search and has conducted interviews with personnel.
Event Report No.: VA-10-05
- * * UPDATE FROM MICHAEL WELLING TO CHARLES TEAL ON 7/9/10 AT 1559 * * *
On July 9, 2010 a Radiation Safety Specialist from the Virginia Radioactive Materials Program performed an investigation at Polymer Group, Inc.'s site. During the investigation, a radiation survey of the storage location was performed which indicated 20 mrem/hr. Further investigation revealed that the spring on two NDC 103 gamma gauges shutters were not properly working, thus leaving the shutter open. The shutters were placed in their closed position and tape secured over them to ensure their position. A lock was placed on the storage cabinet to ensure further security of the remaining gauges. Polymer Group, Inc. is working with a licensed broker for proper disposal of the remaining 5 gauges. A visual inspection of the facility was performed and all employees were questioned. The gauge remains lost at this time.
Notified R1DO (Dimitriadis) and FSME EO (Hsueh).
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. For additional information go to
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf