Press Release-IV-12-002, NRC Issues $13,500 Fine and Confirmatory Order to Accurate NDE & Inspection; Bars Individual from Licensed Activities for One Year

Press Release-IV-12-002: NRC Issues $13,500 Fine and Confirmatory Order to Accurate NDE & Inspection; Bars Individual from Licensed Activities for One Year

ML120090311
Person / Time
Issue date:	01/09/2012
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region IV
To:
Category:Press Release
References
Press Release-IV-12-002
Download: ML120090311 (2)

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NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Region IV 1600 E. Lamar Blvd.

Arlington, TX 76011-4511 Telephone: (817) 860-8100 Site: www.nrc.gov Blog: http://public-blog.nrc-gateway.gov No. IV-12-002 January 9, 2012

Contact:

Victor Dricks (817) 200-1128 E-Mail: OPA4.Resource@nrc.gov Lara Uselding (817) 200-1519 NRC ISSUES $13,500 FINE AND CONFIRMATORY ORDER TO ACCURATE NDE &

INSPECTION; BARS INDIVIDUAL FROM LICENSED ACTIVITIES FOR ONE YEAR Accurate NDE & Inspection of Broussard, La., has agreed to make changes to its training and record-keeping programs under an agreement with the NRC that includes a $13,500 civil penalty. The company uses radioactive materials for non-destructive testing and inspection activities.

The NRC conducted an inspection of the companys licensed activities in response to an event that occurred on March 15, 2010, when a company employee using an x-ray camera attempted to retrieve a sealed capsule containing a small quantity of radioactive Iridium-192 that detached from a metal cable on an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The small capsule is attached to a metal cable that is unwound and used to take X-ray photographs for inspection purposes.

The employee attempted to retrieve the disconnected capsule without notifying the radiation safety officer as required by NRC and State of Louisiana regulations. As a result, the capsule fell into the Gulf of Mexico where it was lost.

The NRC identified five apparent violations of NRC requirements documented in a July 28, 2011 inspection report. The company chose to resolve the matter using the agencys alternative dispute resolution process in which a neutral mediator assists parties in reaching an agreement.

As a result, the company has agreed to pay a $13,500 civil penalty; establish a comprehensive training program designed to deter future willful violations of NRC regulations; and use an independent third party to verify the effectiveness of its training programs for new and existing employees.

The NRC also issued an Order barring the individual involved in this incident from any NRC-licensed activities for a period of one year. An NRC investigation found he had engaged in deliberate misconduct by attempting to retrieve the capsule without making the required notifications.

Copies of the Orders will be posted on the NRCs web site.

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