The following was received by e-mail:
On 9/13/2001 Widetronix, Inc. (NY RAM License C5379) shipped a package containing tritium treated beta voltaic foils to Radiation Safety Engineering (RSE). The package was received and wiped for surface contamination by RSE on 9/14/2011. The results of the smears were below action levels. The packaging containing the foils was then transferred to Medtronic Microelectronics Center.
On 9/15/2011 the package was opened in a restricted laboratory area of the Medtronic's chip manufacturing in Tempe, AZ. Wipe samples were taken at each level as the package was opened by Medtronic's RSO. There were several layers of packaging, exterior shipping box, interior shipping box, large sealed metal canister, and a sealed bag containing smaller sealed metal canister containing the tritium treated chips. The licensee left each wipe and package layer on a lab work bench as he continued to open the next layer of packaging. The licensee finished taking wipe samples at approximately 10:30 a.m. and sent the sample to RSE for analysis. The results for the initial wipes were received back by the licensee at approximately 12:30 p.m. on 9/15/2011; the results indicated a leaking source. The licensee's estimated total quantity for the shipment is 53.2 Curies (1.4 Ci x 38 chips).
Bioassays were given to individuals present in the lab during the opening of the shipping containers and the results showed the highest Committed Effective Dose Equivalent was 0.26 mrem.
The investigation into this event is ongoing.
The U.S. NRC, AZ governor's office, and New York have been notified.
Arizona First Notice: 11-010
- * * UPDATE FROM AUBREY GODWIN TO CHARLES TEAL AT 1630 EDT ON 9/22/11 * * *
The following update was provided via email:
Based upon new information provided by the manufacturer, the total activity of shipment was 1.33 Curies.
An additional individual was assayed later and his results were 0.12 mrem.
Notified R4DO (Walker), R1DO (Newport), and
FSME EO (O'Sullivan).