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| Entered date | Event description | |
|---|---|---|
| ENS 55793 | 17 March 2022 11:30:00 | The following information was received via E-mail from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH): WW Recycling in Marmaduke, Arkansas, reported to Arkansas Radiation Control Program on March 2, 2022, that they believed a source had been found in scrap metal unloaded at their facility. At the time of the report, they were unable to identify the customer from whom the scrap metal was purchased. Intact labeling provided general license information, Am-241, manufactured by NDC in California, source SN 7090AR, Model 103, 5.55 GBq (150 mCi) in April 2011. The device manufacturer identified the device and tracked its shipment to Arkansas' GL-0010, Anchor Packaging Company located in Paragould, Arkansas. Radiation surveys conducted by recycling facility personnel indicated a reading of 10 microR/hr at approximately three feet from the item. Health Physicists from the Arkansas Radiation Control Program responded to WW Recycling on the morning of March 3, 2022. A metal drum container clearly labeled with a radioactive material sign, observed to be closed, in good repair was surveyed by ADH personnel. The top of the metal drum registered 185 microR/hr. The reading at the bottom sealed edge of the drum reached 85 milliR/hr. The shutter appears to be missing. There are no known exposures. The device remains secured at the recycling center and this event remains open while Anchor GL-0010 pursues disposal through a specific licensee authorized to perform this sort of activity/retrieval. Reporting Requirement: Arkansas State Board of Health Rules for Control of Sources of Ionizing Radiation RH-402.c.5. and 10 CFR Part 31.5(c)(5)." State Event Report ID No.: AR-2022-04
On March 17, 2022, WW Recycling in Marmaduke, Arkansas, contacted the Arkansas Department of Health - Radiation Control Section to report the discovery of a second gauge. Photos received March 18, 2022, confirm this gauge to be similar to the generally licensed fixed gauge discovered then reported to the Department on March 2, 2022 (NDC model 103X, SN 13629, Am-241, 5.55 GBq). SN 13629 was once registered to Anchor Packaging Company in Paragould, Arkansas, and later documented as disposed. The gauge was found in the remnants of the original load where the first gauge was found. The gauge was placed into a radioactive material - labeled small drum and secured in the remote storage building where the initial gauge is being stored (also in a small drum). WW Recycling personnel measured 40 microR/hr, via their Ludlum 193-6, on contact with the outside of the wall closest to the two drums. Inside the building, about 7 feet away from the drums, radiation levels begin increasing above background. The photo indicates the shutter to be attached but not closed. There are no known exposures. Reporting requirements: Arkansas State Board of Health Rules for Control of Sources of Ionizing Radiation - RH-1501.a.1.A. and RH-1501.b. pursuant to RH-409.c.10. Notified R4DO (Taylor), and NMSS Events Notification via email. THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf. |
| ENS 55738 | 11 February 2022 16:17:00 | The following information was received from the Arkansas Department of Health, Radiation Control: On February 11, 2022, Clearwater Paper Corporation notified ADH Radiation Control that a gauge had a stuck shutter. During routine leak tests on February 10, 2022, the licensee noted that the shutter would not close. The gauge is identified as a Berthold Model LB 300 L source holder containing 1.54 milliCuries of Cobalt-60. The gauge remains in the normal use location with signage. The licensee has contacted the vendor who stated that this model is no longer available. The licensee intends to research an applicable replacement. In accordance with RH-1502.f.2 (10 CFR 30.50(b)(2)), the malfunctioning shutter is reportable within 24 hours. The State of Arkansas is awaiting a written report from the licensee and final disposition information for the gauge." Arkansas Event Number: AR-2022-02 |