ENS 56180
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
10:30 Oct 18, 2022 | |
| Title | Damaged Sealed Source |
| Event Description | The following information was provided by the Georgia Radioactive Material Program via email:
On 10/18/2022 at 0630 EDT, a Cs-137 vial source was being used to measure dose calibrator constancy. The nuclear medicine [NM] technologist noticed a crack in the bottom of the sealed source vial and possible contamination surrounding the vial. The sealed source was placed in a leak proof container, the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) was notified, and decontamination protocol was followed. A leak test of the vial confirmed there was more than 0.005 microcuries of removable Cs-137 contamination. Post-decontamination surveys and wipe tests of the staff and department indicated that there was no contamination in the department, but there was detectable contamination on the hands of one staff member. The staff member is the individual who was handling the sealed source and discovered the crack in the source. He repeatedly scrubbed his hands - first with lukewarm soap and water, then with Bind-It brand radioactive decontamination hand soap until there was no improvement in the surveys of his hands. A final survey of the individuals hands hands showed there was no detectable contamination on his left hand. A small area on his right-hand thumb still measured 1000 [Counts Per Minute] CPM above background, and another small area on his right-hand index finger measured 700 CPM above background using a GM probe. Measurements of the contamination on his fingers using the on-site well counter indicated it was Cs-137 contamination. Both the Radiation Safety Officer and Medical Director were notified of the incident. The RSO came on-site to supervise decontamination efforts and to secure the leaking source and decontamination waste. Dose calibrator measurements of the source by the RSO indicated the source had leaked approximately 6 microcuries total. Since 6 microcuries of Cs-137 is less than 10 percent of the annual limits on intake (ALI) for Cs-137 (100 microcuries ALI for oral ingestion as defined in Appendix B of 10 CFR 20), [the Program's] understanding is no individual bioassay monitoring is required for the individual. The sealed source has been placed back within its shielded container, sealed with tape, and marked as leaking and out-of-service. The waste generated during the decontamination process was placed in a leakproof plastic bottle and marked as containing Cs-137. Both items are currently stored in [a secure area]. We are contacting waste disposal companies to arrange disposal of both the leaking sealed source and decontamination waste. The NM staff was re-educated on the requirement to wear disposable gloves at all times while handling radioactive materials, which includes sealed radioactive sources, per the Model Rules for Safe Use of Radiopharmaceuticals. Georgia Incident Number: 60
The following information is a summary of information received via email: The licensee supplied an updated report to the state of Georgia. Georgia Radioactive Material Program employees will finalize and close out the report after disposal of the leaking source and contaminated waste. Notified R1DO (Werkheiser) and NMSS Events Notification email group.
The following information is a summary of information received via email: The licensee notified the Georgia Radioactive Material Program that the leaking source was returned and received by the manufacturer. The Georgia Radioactive Material Program has closed this report. Notified R1DO (Cahill) and NMSS Events Notification email group. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Northside Hospital Forsyth Cumming, Georgia (NRC Region 1) | |
| License number: | GA 748-1 |
| Organization: | Georgia Radioactive Material Pgm |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+170.98 h7.124 days <br />1.018 weeks <br />0.234 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Drake Brookins 13:29 Oct 25, 2022 |
| NRC Officer: | Ian Howard |
| Last Updated: | Dec 2, 2022 |
| 56180 - NRC Website | |
Northside Hospital Forsyth with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 561802022-10-18T10:30:00018 October 2022 10:30:00
[Table view]Agreement State Damaged Sealed Source 2022-10-18T10:30:00 | |