ENS 44884
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
08:00 Feb 27, 2009 | |
| Title | Personnel Contamination from Package Containing Dosimeters |
| Event Description | The following was received form the state via facsimile:
RHB [California Radiologic Health Branch] was informed on 2/27/09 that contamination was detected on 3 packages delivered on the 26th of February at Radiation Detection Company [RDC]. One RDC employee was contaminated with an unknown isotope who received the packages and placed them into the lab for scanning. It is not known if all 3 packages were contaminated or if only 1 was and it cross contaminated the other 2 at Radiation Detection Company. The contamination levels were low, around 100 cpm above background (Ludlum with a pancake). An approximate 10% efficiency is likely reasonably valid, yielding contamination of 1000 dpm per probe area. The resulting contamination level likely exceeded DOT's 2200 dpm/100 cm^2 acceptance criteria for shipments. The contamination of the person who handled the packages was low (60 cpm) on her arm and clothes. REAC/TS [Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site] was contacted by the licensee and the contaminated person was decontaminated and her clothes were placed in a drum with the package material and decon supplies and liquids that were used for other decontamination efforts for later inspection if necessary. Nasal smears were negative with regards to contamination. The minor contamination on this person was significantly below levels that would cause negative health effects. Two carriers were involved in the 3 packages. One carrier's package originated in San Diego, CA and in Vermont, and another carrier's package originated from Honduras. It is possible that one package was contaminated at the shipper's facility, and cross contaminated the others at Radiation Detection Company. It is also possible that 1 or 2 of the packages was cross contaminated in the shipment stream, and the other 1 or 2 were subsequently cross contaminated at Radiation Detection Company. The 3 facilities that shipped the dosimetry badges will be contacted to check their respective facilities. Radiation surveys using alpha, beta, and gamma, and some gross wipes were conducted during the evening of 2/27/09 on the driver and the carrier's truck used to deliver 2 packages to RDC yesterday. The surveys were negative. All readings were at background. Consequently, the carrier's vehicle that delivered one international package from Honduras is suspect regarding the contamination. [The State of CA] has not been able to get the information from that carrier regarding the truck or driver who made the delivery. [DELETED] is also the RSO for one of the carrier's and he is also working on getting the carrier's info to set up some surveys. Radiation Detection Company appears to have discarded the contaminated packaging, so it may be difficult to ascertain which of the above scenarios occurred based on the contamination levels (or nuclides) on the packaging. CA (5010) Number: 022709 |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Radiation Detection Company Gilroy, California (NRC Region 4) | |
| Organization: | California Radiation Control Prgm |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+29.93 h1.247 days <br />0.178 weeks <br />0.041 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Ken Prendergast 13:56 Feb 28, 2009 |
| NRC Officer: | Joe O'Hara |
| Last Updated: | Feb 28, 2009 |
| 44884 - NRC Website | |
Radiation Detection Company with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 448842009-02-27T08:00:00027 February 2009 08:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State Personnel Contamination from Package Containing Dosimeters 2009-02-27T08:00:00 | |