PNO-IV-89-047, on 890712,experiment in Chemistry Lab at Univ of Nebraska Blew Up in Face of Lab Assistant.Individual Received Cuts on Chin & Neck.No Effect from Chemical Toxicity of Matl Noted.Investigation Continuing
| ML20246N013 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/14/1989 |
| From: | Doda R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-IV-89-047, PNO-IV-89-47, NUDOCS 8907190279 | |
| Download: ML20246N013 (2) | |
_ _ , ,
July 14, 1989
. PREo MINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE -- PNO-IV-89-47 i
This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of POSSIBLE l safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially received I without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by the Region IV staff on this date.
FACILITY: University of Nebraska Licensee Emergency Classification:
Lincoln, Nebraska Notification of Unusual Event (Nebraska Agreement State License) Alert Site Area Emergency Ger. oral Emergency X Not Applicable
SUBJECT:
EXPLOSION DURING A CHEli LAB EXPERIl1ENT INVOLVING A C0fiPOUND TAGGED WITH CARBON-14 The Nebraska Division of Radiological Health notified Region IV of an incident, on July 12, 1989, at the University of Kebraska where an experiment in a chem lab blew up in the face of a lab assistant. The procedure, which was being used to produce a toxic gas, diazomethane, was being performed in a 250 milliliter beaker (containing 5 millicuries of carbon-14) within a hood.
An exothermic reaction occurred while the lab assistant attempted to pour a reactant into the beaker.
The lab assistant received cuts on the chin and reck. She was wearing a lead apron and a paper face filter. She has received medical attention and appears to have no effect from the chemical toxicity of the material. The University R50 and the Nebraska program director and a state inspector responded to the incident. The physician in charge has taken blood and urine samples.
The state inspectors found the only measurable contamination on the lab assistant at the hairline above her forehead (approximately two times background). The University is investigating the accident and is reporting all findings to the Nebraska Division of Radiological Health.
Region IV will follow any state actions and provide advice to the state, if necessary. This information is current as of 3:30 p.m., July 13, 1989.
The licensee has informed the news media and has responded to all news media inquiries.
Region IV has informed NMSS and SLITP.
CONTACT: Robert J. Doda, FTS 728-8139 RIV:SA01 R /2 '
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