ML19284C530
| ML19284C530 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 12/15/1980 |
| From: | James O'Reilly NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II) |
| To: | ATLANTIC RESEARCH CORP. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8101190238 | |
| Download: ML19284C530 (1) | |
Text
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x Gentlemen:
Subject:
IE BULLETIN 80-22:
AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, MODEL 200-520-008 SEALED SOURCE CONNECTORS The above bulletin was sent to all radiography licensees on September 24, 1980.
The bulletin may not have clearly stated that a response was required of all recipients whether or not they were using the above mentioned connectors.
If you have not responded to this bulletin as yet, please do so immediately.
Sincerely, N
JamesT. O'Rei'ny Director
Enclosure:
8101190 g g
SSINS No:
6820 Accession No.:
8006190050 IEB 80-22 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
- 7 0FFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
/a U WASHINGTON, D.C.
20555 September 11, 1980 IE Bulletin No. 80-22: AUTOMATION INDUSTRIES, MODEL 200-520-008 SEALED-SOURCE CONNECTORS Description of Circumstances:
An accident recently occurred in the State of California (an Agreement State) that resulted in several serious overexposures (see enclosed Circular 79-16).
The accident involved the use of an Automation Industries (AI) Model 200-520-008 source pigtail to drive cable connection. The connector is identified by the manufacturer as its " quick disconnect" type of connector and is used with several models of cobalt-60 and iridium-192 source assemblies distributed by the manufacturer.
The connection is a simple hook and eye connection (see Fig.
- 1) that will permit separation of the eye from the book when they are oriented at right angles to each other without any further positive action.
As a result of the design, a disconnection may occur any time the source assembly is cranked out of the exposure device without the guide tube being attached.
Since the Automation Industries Model 200-520-008 sealed-source assembly'is authorized to contain up to 120 curies of iridium-192, a source disconnection creates a potential for a serious exposure.
A disconnect is very unlikely to occur if proper procedures are followed by users of Automation Industries sealed sources containing the " quick disconnect".
However, due to the large number of overexposures that occur in the radio-graphy industry due to the failure to follow proper procedures, the NRC has determined that continued use of the Automation Industries " quick disconnect" connector with its Model 200-520-008 sealed-source assembly or other assemblies can constitute a hazard to the public health, safety or interest.
As a result, the NRC has ordered Automation Industries to discontinue distribution of the AI Model 200-520-008 sealed-source assembly or any other sealed-source assembly that uses the " quick disconnect" type of connector.
Additionally, the NRC will not accept new applications for authorization to use the AI Model 200-520-008 or other sealed-source assemblies using the
" quick disconnect".
In effect, this will remove such iridium-192 source and pigtail assemblies from service as licensees exchange their diminished activity Special arrangements should be made for removing from service, those sources.
connectors that are attached to longer lived sources such as cobalt-60.
The removal from service of the " quick disconnect" type of connector will require that those drive cables having the matching open hook connector be modified.
Actions To Be Taken by Licensees To assure the safe operation of radiography equipment in which the AI " quick disconnect" connector is used, all licensees authorized to use byproduct materials under 10 CFR Part 34 shall perform the following:
IEB 80-22 September 11, 1980 Page 2 of 2 (1) Determine the number of AI Model 200-520-008 and other assemblies in your inventory that have the " quick disconnect" connector and establish a disposal schedule.
Your schedule for iridium-192 sources should be no longer than your usual exchange schedule for diminished activity sources.
Your exchange schedule for connector modification for cobalt-60 sources should be accomplished as soon as is conveniently possible.
However, you shou'.d complete your disposal or modification by September 1, 1981.
(2)
In the interim, a warning mark or tag should be placed on each radio-graphic device in which AI " quick disconnect" type assemblies are being used.
(3) This matter should be reviewed with all radiographers.
They should be cautioned of the disconnect possibility and be informed of the method used to identify equipment as marked in accordance with Item (2) above.
(4) Review and modify operating, maintenance, inspection and handling procedures as appropriate to preclude this type of accidental disconnect.
NOTE:
You may want to contact the manufacturer for assistance in determining appropriate procedural changes or fixes to preclude a disconnect.
(5) Discuss with the radiographers the importance of making adequate surveys and the need for following procedures.
A report of your actions for each of the above numbered items shall be submitted to the director of the appropriate regional office within 30 days from the date of this Bulletin. A copy of the report shall also be sent to the Director, Division of Fuel Facility and Materials Safety Inspection, Office of Inspection and Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C.
20555.
Approved by GAO, B180225 (R0072); approval expired July 31, 1980.
(Application for renewal pending before GAO).
Approval was given under a blanket clearance specifically for identified generic problems.
Enclosures:
1.
IE Circular No. 79-16 2.
Figure 1
au.m a uns No.
7903020Sa2 SSINS:6830 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY C0!@ilSSION OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C.
20555 August 16, 1979 IE Circu1ar No. 79-16 EXCESSIVE RADIATION EXPOSURES TO MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC A RAD 10GRAPHER Description of Circumstances:
During radiographic operations using 40 curies of iridium-192, the source became disconnected unbeknownst to the radiographer--he did not use his After the radiographer left the facility, an employee survey instrument.
of the customer for which radiography was perfonned, saw the source and, He not knowing what it was, picked it up and placed it in his hip pocket.
carried it about for approximately two hours, later giving it to his super-While making a determination that it was something which visor to examine.
belonged to the radiographer, and while waiting for the radiographer to pick up the source, nine employees of the radiographer's customer were exposed. The source was also left with a secretary who was instructed to contact the radiographer.
The radiographer returned, examined and took the source assurring the customer's employees that there was no problem, stating that the source was a " detector".
On the evening of the event, the employee who had put the source in his At that time pocket became nauseous and went to a hospital for treatment.The initial diagnosis and tr a blister was found on his buttock.
Thirty one days after this initial treatment the indi-for an insect bite.
At that vidual was hospitalized for treatment of the injury to his buttuck.
time the individual asked the physicians if there could be any connetion of the injury to the radiography that had been performed at his place cf work An investigation followed which disclosed the above one month previously.
information.
The individual who had carried the source in his pocket remains us; der medical The attending physician does not cons.ider the care following surgery.
Neither does amputation appear necessary.
exposure to be life threatening.The localized dose is estimated to be 1.S millic Estimated whole body 60,000 rem at 1 cm depth and 7,000 rem at 3 cm depth. Hand doses ranged to doses to other individuals ranged from 1 to 60 rem.The radiographer rece 5,000 rem.
body and 50 rem to the hands.
However, another important aspect res.
1 effects of the exposures, is e health and safety of the exposed DUPLICATE DOCUMENT The radiographer's failure to Entire document previously t the event to responsible entered into system under:
company is a serious disregsrd s early medical attention.
b9b93r$0$1;W-o No. of pages: