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| Start date | Reporting criterion | Title | Event description | System | LER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 57059 | 27 March 2024 15:01:00 | 10 CFR 30.50(b)(1) | Unplanned Contamination | The following information was provided by the licensee via telephone: On March 27, 2024, at 1101 EDT, a sample containing 20.3 mCi of carbon-14 (C-14) in 1,3-Dichloropropene liquid form (348 microliters) was dropped when being removed from a storage container. The authorized user immediately called for assistance and restricted access to the laboratory where the spill occurred. Decontamination efforts began immediately after the incident, and it was confirmed that the contamination was contained to the laboratory where the spill occurred. It was determined on March 28, 2024, at 1025 EDT that restrictions would remain in place greater than 24 hours, and that this incident was reportable under 10 CFR 30.50(b)(1). Following the spill, a nasal swab was taken of the worker with no detectable activity, however, a urine bioassay taken the following day indicated a potential internal dose of 213 mrem. No other staff were exposed, and there was no risk to public safety or the environment. The applicable 10 CFR 20 Appendix B annual limit for intake for C-14 is 2000 microcuries. Decontamination efforts will continue until detectable surface contamination is less than 1000 dpm/100 square centimeters.
The licensee submitted a 30-day written report for this event. Notified R3DO (Betancourt-Roldan) and NMSS Events (email). | ||
| ENS 45123 | 11 June 2009 05:00:00 | Agreement State | Agreement State Report - Stuck Shutter | The following was received via E-mail: As we (the Texas Department of Health) understand it, a gauge, Ronan Eng. Co., Model SA-1 with 3Ci of Cs-137, has a broken handle and the shutter will not close. The serial number (S/N) is M7844 and I see that the source model could be 3M or QSA (AEA) so that will (be) determined later. It said that the external exposure rate is a nominal 1.5mR/hr and the gauge is 40' high on a vessel which is in process so no vessel entry is anticipated. They hope to keep operating until their next scheduled outage on July 15. | ||
| ENS 44974 | 6 April 2009 12:30:00 | 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2) | Level Gauge Shutter Failure | The shutter for an Ohmart SHRM-B strip source containing 12 millicuries of CS-137 failed in the open position. The source is used as a level instrument with the shutter normally open for this application. For the past two weeks the licensee attempted to close the shutter without success. On April 6, 2009 at 0830 the shutter pin broke while employees were attempting to once again close the shutter. There were no personnel radiation exposures during this event. The licensee is devising a method to shield the source and remove it for shipment to a repair facility. | ||
| ENS 43423 | 14 June 2007 04:00:00 | 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2) | Fixed Gauge Found with Shutter Open While in Storage | The licensee was evaluating a fixed gauge in storage for possibly returning it to service when they discovered that the gauge's shutter was stuck open. Temporary lead shielding was installed and the licensee is in the process of contacting the manufacturer in order to have the device repaired and/or the source removed. The device is an Ohmart SHRM L-200, S/N 3269, containing 35 milliCuries of Cs-137. It was removed from service and has been in storage since 1994. The gauge was positioned face down such that radiation surveys did not detect that the shutter was open. The licensee does not believe that any personnel received any significant exposure since the storage area is ground level (no basement) and has limited access (locked). | ||
| ENS 41964 | 30 August 2005 18:00:00 | 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2) | Safety Equipment Fails to Function Properly | The RSO called to state that the Bromine Monitor at their facility failed to function properly. The shutter on the monitor failed to close, thus leaving it in an unsafe condition. The licensee taped a piece of metal (the same metal as the shutter) across the instrument to render it in a safe condition. The equipment was removed from service and no personnel received exposure from the event. The equipment is made by AEA Technology, Model number CUCD2, s/n 5738LY. The radionuclide is 10 microCuries of Cd-109 (cadium-109). A qualified technical has been dispatched to repair the Bromine Monitor. | ||
| ENS 40992 | 20 July 2004 05:00:00 | Agreement State | Possible Radiation Exposure from a Level Detection Device | It has been determined that during a painting and insulation replacement: job on the exterior of the D-15 vessel at the Solvents Plant at Dow's Plaquemine manufacturing complex, a radiation shield was not locked out on a 500 mCi Cs-137 radiation source used for level detection. The zone of potential exposure was approximately 3 inches wide by 14 inches long on the external top of the tank. The work that was being performed was in such a manner that there could have been a possibility of hand or arm exposure. During the six day period it was determined that up to 16 persons had the potential to be exposed while completing the insulation replacement. A conservative estimate of 5 minutes total continuous exposure time over this period at a distance of 5 inches from the source yield a potential exposure of 421 mrems. A two minute total continuous exposure at a distance of 14 inches would yield a potential exposure of 31 mrems. The cause of the incident was failure to lock out a radiation shield prior to commencement of work. Lock out procedures for the facility have been reviewed and strengthened to prevent reoccurrence. Medical screening was performed on all potentially exposed personnel and the results were reviewed with the personnel. No effects were observed. |