ENS 51144
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
05:00 Mar 5, 2015 | |
| Title | Agreement State Report - Well Logging Tritium Source Broken Open During Maintenance |
| Event Description | The following report was received from the State of Texas via e-mail:
On June 10, 2015 the licensee contacted the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] reporting that an Agency inspector was at the site inspecting the facility. The inspector informed the licensee that a reportable event occurred and was not reported as required. The licensee was making notification that on March 5, 2015, during repair of a pulsed neutron generator tool, the work counter, internal casing and housing of the tool had contamination from a sealed tritium tube. The tube was manufactured by Thermo Fisher, ID 163-D101-S, on April 19, 2013 at an activity rating of 3 curies. The licensee explained that during the check on the tool, readings were seen on the meter. The area was checked and the contamination found and cleared from the tool and counter. The area was tested with wipes and counted. The highest count was 680 cps [counts per second]. The area was wiped clean and the clean up material is in a sealed drum awaiting disposal. The amount of contamination was calculated and the licensee explained he read through the regulations and determined the level of exposure was not reportable. The calculated dose was not provided. No badges were sent to the processor for reading. The tool itself was salvaged and reworked into a new usable tool with a new serial number. A detailed description of the event was requested from the licensee. Investigation into this case is ongoing. Update will be made in accordance with SA300 guidelines. Texas Report: I-9319
The following retraction was received from the Texas Department of State Health Services via email: More complete information was obtained from the licensee. The pulse neutron generator tool was damaged and the tritium tube was leaking material, contaminating the internal tool and the countertop during repair process. The employee working on the tool noticed increased readings on his survey instrument and immediately checked the tritium tube to find the contamination. The material was confined to the tool and countertop. The tube activity is listed as 3 curies. The employee notified his radiation safety officer of the damaged tool and a dose rate was calculated. The RSO had calculated 40,800 CPM = 680 CPS (background was 120 CPS), 680 CPS x .20 [microSv]/hour (calibration factor) = 136 [microSv]/hour, 136 [microSv]/hour = 0.0136 REM / hour for the dose. The release did not exceed regulatory limits and was not in an operable condition when being repaired. The contaminated area did not require restricted access and the quantity of material did not meet the annual limits on intake exposure. The radioactivity detected in the tool was remediated immediately and contaminated waste [was placed in a] drum for disposal. No aspect of the event met any reporting criteria. It has been determined this was not a reportable event. Notified the R4DO (Werner) and NMSS Events Notification (via email). |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Hunter Well Science Inc Arlington, Texas (NRC Region 4) | |
| License number: | L06413 |
| Organization: | Texas Dept Of State Health Services |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+2338.22 h97.426 days <br />13.918 weeks <br />3.203 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Irene Casaras 14:13 Jun 10, 2015 |
| NRC Officer: | Mark Abramovitz |
| Last Updated: | Jun 12, 2015 |
| 51144 - NRC Website | |
Hunter Well Science Inc with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 511442015-03-05T05:00:0005 March 2015 05:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State Agreement State Report - Well Logging Tritium Source Broken Open During Maintenance 2015-03-05T05:00:00 | |