PNO-I-87-081, on 870819,inspectors Learned That Licensee Had Been Operating walk-in Irradiator Since Late May 1987 W/O Radiation Detector.Cause Not Stated.All Isomedix Irradiators Will Be Inspected
| ML20237H702 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 03008985 |
| Issue date: | 08/19/1987 |
| From: | Friedman L, Joyner J NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-I-87-081, PNO-I-87-81, NUDOCS 8708250116 | |
| Download: ML20237H702 (2) | |
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i DCS: 03008985870819 Date: August 19, 1987 PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE--PNO-I-87-81
- This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE safety or public interest significance. The information has been provided by Region I personnel
, at the licensee's facility.
Facility: Isomedix, Inc. Licensee Emergency Classification:
Parsippany, New Jersey (L/N29-15364-01) Notification of Unusual Event Alert 0300 d- ci Site Area Emergency General Emergency X Not Applicable
SUBJECT:
OPERATION OF IRRADIATOR WITHOUT REQUIRED RADIATION-ACTUATED INTERLOCK During a routine inspection of the licensee's facility on the morning of 8/19/87, two Region I inspectors learned that the licensee had been operating a walk-in irradiator
' since late May 1987 without the radiation detector that senses elevated radiation levels created when the source is exposed. This detector, which had reportedly been removed for repairs, operates a door interlock that prevents personnel from entering the high radiation area. The inspectors also learned that operation without the detector had occurred on previous occasions for shorter periods of time while the detector was out for calibration. The licensee had instituted procedures believed to compensate for the inoperable radiation detector. However, such compensatory measures are not permitted by ths, license or 10 CFR 20.203(c)(6)(1), which requires the radiation-monitor-operated :
door interlock.
R::gion I has issued a Confirmatory Action Letter documenting the licensee's commitment to cease operation of the irradiator, and maintain it in a shut down condition until the monitor and interlock are operable. The routine inspection is continuing, and will determine if other safety systems have been similarly bypassed.
Region I plans to inspect all Isomedix irradiators in Region 1 (one in Whippany, New Jersey, and one in Northborough, Massachusetts) before the end of the week, to determir.e if similar practices have occurred at these facilities. I l
The State of New Jersey -and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts have been informed, l
CONTACT: L. Friedman J. Joyner i 488-1276 488-1251 l
l 870a250116 870819 E -I b oel PDR
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