The following information was received from the state of
Colorado via email:
The following is a notification not previously identified to NRC.
On or about April 24, 2014, during licensing renewal activities, the [Colorado Radiation Control Program] Agency licensing staff received information that Colorado specific licensee Analytical Instrument Recycle, Inc. (AIR, 15860 West 6th Ave., Golden, CO 80401; CO License #974-01) had reportedly discovered that three generally licensed (GL) electron capture devices (ECDs) in their possession that had failed a leak test approximately two months prior (in ~February 2014). (The licensee refurbishes and resells analytical instruments containing ECDs, although the licensee performs leak tests, it is not authorized to work on or open ECDs or the sources contained within them.)
The licensee's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) indicated that he had previously sent notification regarding the leaking sources to the Agency (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) in early February, 2014 and provided a copy of an undated letter during the investigation.
The licensee reported the leak test results/analysis data as follows:
1) Hewlett-Packard/Agilent model 19233 serial number L4716 (Contamination level of 0.064uCi)
2) Hewlett-Packard/Agilent model G1533A serial number K3545 (Contamination level of 0.013uCi)
3) Hewlett-Packard/Agilent model G1223A serial number F1219 (Contamination level of 0.008uCi)
Each of the leaking devices contains a nominal activity of 15 mCi of Ni63, although the devices are authorized to contain up to 18 mCi of Ni63.
The licensee reported that areas where the devices were handled had been surveyed and indicated that no contamination above background present in the work area or facility. The licensee reported to the Agency that the leaking ECDs were returned to the manufacturer on March 7, 2014.
No further action is required and the Agency considers this matter closed.