ML20198R454
| ML20198R454 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/06/1999 |
| From: | Compton E NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Paul Goldberg NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| References | |
| SSD, NUDOCS 9901080197 | |
| Download: ML20198R454 (2) | |
Text
. _ - _ _ _
l
-%I
+
January 6,1999 i
NOTE TO:
Oprations Branch i
FROM:
Eric Compton. (or19. signed by)
. Materials Safety Branch i.
SUBJECT:
LEAK'ING NUCLEAR ASSOCIATES MODEL 69 BRACHYTHERAPY SOURCE 4
Based on a positive leak test result of a Model 69 Nuclear Aseociates brachyth' rapy source wire e
j in June 1998, and a previous incident of a leaking Nuclear Associates source, I feel that a advisor newsletter article is appropriate to inform licensees of a potential of these sources to leak. Therefore, please include the attached article in the next addition of the NMSS newsletter, j
j-
Attachment:
As stated Distribution:
IMNS r/f NE02-SSD-7 g
{k GAP
' DOCUMENT NAME H:\\ERIC\\ MISC \\NUCLASSC l
Ts resolve a ser of this document,indeste in the ben: 'C' = Copy without attachment / enclosure
- E'== Copy wNh attachment / enclosure
l l
NAME ECompton EE.
BSmith(lM CRadjad Ik DATE 1/ 7 /99 1/ ( 79 9' 1/f/99 V OFFICIAL RECORD COPY nnnn a _.
9901000197 990106 PDR RC y'
S8D PDR j
a.
.~.
/
~..
l ATTACHMENT 1 LEAKING NUCLEAR ASSOCIATES MODEL 69 BRACHYTHERAPY SOURCE in June 1998, the NRC was informed of a positive leak test result of a Nuclear Associates Model 69 brachytherapy source. This source had been removed from service and placed in a shielded storage container since 1981. The NRC was notified, in June 1992, of another leaking Nuclear Associates brachytherapy source also in storage.
l
. A problem with these sourms had been recognized by the State c? Califomia as these sources had been distributed without the knowledge or approval of the State around 1979. The NRC had previously issued an Agreement State Letter on May 14,1981, advising on the.same subject.
California had advised users of these sources to visually examine and leak test before and after each use.
The NRC believes that these sources are still being licensed for storage and/or use. Although these events appear uncommon, there is a mncem that these sources may have the potential to leak. Licensees who possess these sources should recognize such a potential, review their leak test protocol, and take action appropriately.
- (Contact: Eric Compton, NMSS, 301-415-5799, email: ebc@nrc. gov)
. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - -