PNO-IV-98-038A, on 980831,State of La Notified NRC That Spec Model 150 Radiographic Exposure Device (Serial Number 477) Stolen from Darkroom Compartment on Company Vehicle.Device Contains iridium-192 Sealed Source
| ML20151Z652 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/18/1998 |
| From: | Linda Howell, Mclean L NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV) |
| To: | |
| References | |
| PNO-IV-98-038A, PNO-IV-98-38A, NUDOCS 9809220062 | |
| Download: ML20151Z652 (2) | |
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4'[ Stpt mber 18,1998 i
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PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OR UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PNO-IV-98-038A /
This preliminary notification constitutes EARLY notice of events of PO'imRLE o safety or public interest significance. The information is as initially .
received *without verification or evaluation, and is basically all that is known by Region IV staff in Arlington, Texas on this date.
Facility Licensee Emeroency Classification Louisiana License Notification of Unusual Event Global X-Ray Alert Amelia, Louisiana Site Area Emergency License No: LA-0577-LO1 General Emergency '
X Not Applicable
Subject:
STOLEN INDUSTRIAL RADIOGRAPHY EXPOSURE DEVICE On August 31,1998, the State of Louisiana notified the NRC by facsimile that a SPEC Model 150 radiographic exposure device (Serial Number 477) was stolen from a darkroom compartment on a company vehicle while the vehicle was parked at a residence near Raceland, Louisiana. The device contains an iridium-192 sealed source (Serial Number EE 0701) with activity of approximately 50 curies. The source is owned by Global X-Ray (Global) of Amelia, Louisiana, which is licensed by the State of Louisiana. This provides an ,
update on the efforts taken by Louisiana to locate the device. '
Based on recommendations made by Louisiana Radiation Control Program representatives, I the licensee notified the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office of the theft on August 31. The sheriff's office initiated an investigation, which is ongoing. In addition, state police, local fire departments, and the local State Emergency Preparedness Division were notified. A press release to local television and news paper organizations, with a notice of a $1500 reward for retuming the device, was issued by the licensee through theAssumption Parish Sheriff's Office on August 31,1998. Local media has published several articles in area newspapers and a local television station aired a segment informing the public of the potential risks associated with mishandling the device and the steps that should be taken to alert authorities if the device is found.
Representatives of Louisiana, NRC and the Department of Energy also discussed further efforts which could be taken to locate the device. These included additional notifications to area scrap metal dealers and aerial and ground surveys. It was subsequently concluded that based on the source activity and shielding provided by the exposure device, fur +her ground surveys may only be effective if the source was in an exposed position, which is not
! likely given the facts known about this case. Ground-based surveys have been performed of l the routes used by licensee personnel when transporting the device, and additional area surveys at specified locations have been conducted. State representatives have also conducted surveys at local scrap yards not equipped with radiation detection systems.
These surveys have failed to identify any unusual radiation levels or the exposure device.
i*. Based on the State's and licensee's survey efforts, no immediate health or safety concerns have been identifiM.
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State representatives have distributed flyers, with photographs of the device, to local scrap i
metal dealers, law enforcement offices, fire departments, radiographic equipment repair i companies and other organizations, with specific instructions on actions to be taken if the device is*found.'The State plans to continue to monitor the results of the investigation being l conducted by local law o#icials and will notify NRC or other authorities if additional information becomes avaibble or the device is found. The State is completing its review of regulatory issues associated with this event in accordance with the State's inspection and enforcement process.
Region IV was first notified of the event by Louisiana representatives on August 31,1998, l and has received updated information from the State since the initial notification. The l information presented above is current as of 12:30 p.m. (CDT), September 18,1998,and has been confirmed with representatives of the Louisiana Radiation Control Program. NMSS and OSP have been notified.
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Contact:
Linda McLean Linda Howell (817)860-8116 (817)860-8213 l
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