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| Start date | Reporting criterion | Title | Event description | System | LER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 41884 | 30 June 2005 07:00:00 | Agreement State | Agreement State Event - High Dosimetry Badge Reading | The licensee provided the following information via email: On July 28, 2005 the RSO for Longview Inspection, a radiography company located in Everett Washington, notified (the Washington State Radioactive Materials) department of a potential overexposure. In a written report sent that night, events were described as follows: Two Level 2 radiographers were dispatched to Kent Washington to perform radiography work on an above ground pipeline. Each radiographer was properly equipped with survey meters, self-reading pocket dosimeters, rate alarm dosimeters, and OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimetry)) badges. During the course of the on site work, radiographer #1 crawled under the pipe to search for pipe numbers. At that time, it is believed that his OSL badge was knocked off his shirt pocket where he had it clipped. Both radiographers continued to work taking shots in the area unaware of the missing OSL badge. The alarm rate and pocket dosimeters were worn in a pouch on his hip and not in his shirt pocket with the OSL badge. At the conclusion of the work, while both radiographers performed their break downs, equipment checks and daily radiation reports to complete the job, radiographer #1 discovered his OSL badge was missing. The immediate area was searched and the OSL badge was discovered under a sheet of plywood pulled into place to crawl upon while under the pipe. They returned to their shop in Everett, Washington and notified the RSO of the mishap. The two radiographers reported that their rate alarms had not sounded constantly and periodic checks of the pocket dosimeter did not indicate any abnormal doses. Both men stated that they were working side by side the whole day . Since it was the end of the month wear period, the RSO sent all the radiographers' OSL badges in for processing. He forwarded the dosimetry report to us with his written report of the incident. The report on the OSL found under the pipe had millirem readings of 5367 - Deep dose, 5638 Eye dose, and 6237 Shallow dose. The radiographer #2 had readings that were consistent with the doses reported for the wear period with other radiographers in the company. The RSO reported that he suspended the radiographer #1 who had lost the OSL badge under the pipe, until the RSO receives approval from the department to resume radiographic operations. Washington State Report #WA-05-044
The following information was provided as an update and closeout for WA-05-044: On August 17, the department received the RSO's final report. In it the RSO stated it had been determined the recorded exposures had not been received by the radiographer. This conclusion was based on: - Self-reading dosimeters for both radiographers had not gone off-scale, - Both radiographer alarming rate-meters had not continuously alarmed, - The OSL dosimeter for the second radiographer showed normal readings, and association with each individual indicated each could be trusted. The RSO calculated an exposure of 32 mRem for the day and had the dosimetry service assign a 300 mRem exposure to the individual for the month. The radiographer was allowed to return to work after the department reviewed the reported findings. The RSO stated that all facility radiography staff were reminded to ensure they are properly equipped prior to performing each radiographic activity. Notified R4DO (Linda Smith) and NMSS (Tom Essig). | ||
| ENS 40279 | 18 October 2003 06:00:00 | Agreement State | Texas Agreement State Report on Lost/Found Radiography Camera | Radiographic exposure device (Camera) was left unsecure on the tailgate of a company pickup truck before departing Licensee's local site enroute to the work site at: Huntsman Polymers, 2400 South Grandview Avenue, Odessa, Texas 79766. The Radiographer Trainer, (deleted), and his Trainee enter into conversation with another company employee and failed to block and brace the device or to secure the device to their truck. They drove out of the shop area and onto the street in front of the office. Approximately 100 yards from the office, the device fell off the tailgate and onto the service road. Approximately 10 minutes later, an NDT customer enroute to the Licensee's facility came by and noticed the camera in the road. He recovered the device and transported it to the Licensee's Odessa office. The crew was notified by cell phone and returned to the shop. The camera is an Industrial Nuclear Company, Model IR-100 exposure device, Serial No. 4318, containing 80 curies of iridium 192. The camera was surveyed for external damage and radiation at the shop. No external damage was noted and the results of the radiation survey revealed radiation levels that were the same as when the device had initially been surveyed that day. The exposure device was taken to a safe location, attached to associated equipment and operated to determine if the device had suffered internal damage. No damage was noted as the device operated perfectly. The device was leak tested. Results of this test have not been returned to the company as of October 27, 2003. As corrective action both the Radiographer Trainer and the Trainee have received a written warning under the Licensee's disciplinary policy. Both individuals will be required to participate in several radiation safety programs and be re-tested. The Trainee will be require to attend another 40-hour radiation safety class in December 2003. The Licensee is being cited for: failure to physically secure radioactive material; and failure to make an immediate (24-hour) notice to this Agency. In addition, the Radiographer Trainer will also be cited for failure to secure the device. Escalated Enforcement actions have been recommended which will include assessment of an Administrative penalty for the Licensee. |