The following information was received from
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (Agency) via E-mail:
The [Illinois Emergency Management] Agency was contacted at approximately 16:00 [CDT] on 11/2/21 by Isomedix Operations, Inc. (d/b/a Steris Applied Sterizliation Technologies, RML IL-01123-02) to advise of a fire in one of their irradiation cells that occurred at approximately 05:00 [CDT] this morning in Libertyville, IL. Sources, irradiator lift mechanisms, and associated safety/security systems were reportedly unaffected. Local fire personnel did respond, but maintenance crew were able to extinguish the fire prior to their arrival. This matter is reportable under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 346.830(a)(2).
The radiation safety officer for Isomedix Operations, contacted the Agency at 16:00 [CDT] today and informed of a fire in a radiation room at their pool irradiator facility. Reportedly, maintenance crews were performing overhead welding in the source room when hot slag fell on a product tote. The tote was located near the portal entry of irradiator 192. The fire alarm was pulled and the maintenance crew was able to put out the fire using a handheld extinguisher. Local fire arrived, performed an investigation and departed without further concern. The irradiator was removed from service as Isomedix staff spent the duration of the day assessing safety systems. Water purity checks and exposure rates indicate no impacts to sources. Cables, cable shrouds and associated lifting mechanisms were assessed and were not impacted. Having found no additional radiological or safety mechanisms impacted, the facility returned to routine operations at 16:00 [CDT] today.
IEMA staff are pursuing additional information from the licensee and performing a reactionary inspection on 11/3/21. Additional information will be communicated as it becomes available.
Illinois Report Number : IL210036