Press Release-III-03-005, NRC Staff Proposes $6,000 Fine Against Michigan Testing Company
| ML030350499 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/04/2003 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs Region II |
| To: | |
| Category:Press Release | |
| References | |
| Press Release-III-03-005 | |
| Download: ML030350499 (2) | |
Text
NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 801 Warrenville Road Lisle IL 60532 Web Site: http://www.nrc.gov No. III-03-005 February 4, 2003 CONTACT:
Jan Strasma (630) 829-9663 E-mail: opa3@nrc.gov Viktoria Mitlyng (630) 829-9662 NRC STAFF PROPOSES $6,000 FINE AGAINST MICHIGAN TESTING COMPANY The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has proposed a $6,000 fine against Magna Chek, Inc., of Madison Heights, Michigan, for violations of NRC safety requirements in its radiography work, although the fine would be withdrawn if the company completes its plans to dispose of its NRC-licensed radioactive material.
Radiography is a non-destructive testing method which uses a sealed radiation source to make x-ray like images of heavy metal objects like pumps, valves, and pipes.
An inspection by the NRC and a followup investigation by its Office of Investigations last year determined that an employee of the company had deliberately performed radiography work without being properly certified and that the companys radiation safety officer had permitted the uncertified worker to perform radiography.
The individual performed the work between August 1999 and February of last year at the companys permanent radiography facility. During that time period he also performed radiography work at field locations without being accompanied by a second, qualified radiographer, as required by the NRC.
In addition to the proposed fine against the company, the NRC staff issued a written Notice of Violation to the uncertified individual.
The company has ceased using NRC-licensed radioactive material for radiography and indicated that it planned to dispose of the radioactive material. The NRC informed the company that the proposed $6,000 fine would be withdrawn if the company transfers the radioactive material to an authorized recipient within 60 days.
The company may also protest the proposed fine. If the fine is protested and subsequently imposed by the NRC staff, the company may request a hearing.
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