Press Release-IV-08-035, NRC Proposes $20,800 Fine Against Alaska Industrial X-Ray, Inc. (Aix), Issues Order Modifying License

Press Release-IV-08-035: NRC Proposes $20,800 Fine Against Alaska Industrial X-Ray, Inc. (Aix), Issues Order Modifying License

ML082530505
Person / Time
Issue date:	08/21/2008
From:	Office of Public Affairs Region IV
To:
Category:Press Release
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Press Release-IV-08-035
Download: ML082530505 (2)

Text

No. IV-08-035

Contact: Victor Dricks

Phone: (817) 860-8128 August 21, 2008 E-Mail: opa4@nrc.gov NRC PROPOSES $20,800 FINE AGAINST ALASKA INDUSTRIAL X-RAY, INC., ISSUES ORDER MODIFYING LICENSE The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a fine of $20,800 against Alaska Industrial X-Ray, Inc. of Anchorage, Alaska, for violating NRC requirements. In addition, NRC has issued an order modifying the terms and conditions of the company's license and barred two individuals from participating in NRC licensed activities.

In a letter to the company, NRC Region IV Administrator Elmo E. Collins said that as a

result of an NRC inspection and investigation, the agency determined that the company violated requirements for the possession and use of radioactive materials.

The violations occurred when two of the company's radiographers, a part-time radiographer and radiation safety officer deliberately conducted radiographic operations at a temporary jobsite without the presence of two qualified individuals on mu ltiple occasions since 2004. In addition, company officials, including the president, provided misleading information to NRC investigators when que stioned about the incidents.

"The circumstances in this case raise serious concerns about AIX company management's ability or desire to conduct licensed activities safely." Collins said. "This is why significant enforcement action is needed."

Therefore, the NRC is issuing an Order modifying the company's license to require (1)

continued independent oversight designed to ensure that AIX radiographers follow NRC requirements; (2) that AIX hire an independent consultant to evaluate the company's safety procedures and provide training to radiographers and their assistants; (3) that steps be taken to control access to an area where radiography is conducted; and (4) the president of AIX take radiation safety training and perform quarterly audits of company radiographers.

In addition, the NRC has issued orders barring two individuals involved in the incidents from participating in NRC licensed activities for periods of one year and three years.

NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Region IV 612 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 400 Arlington, TX 76011-4125 Telephone: (817) 860-8128

The company has 30 days to pay the proposed fine or challenge it; 20 days to respond to the order or request a hearing; and 10 days to request alternative disput e resolution. The NRC's letter, its enclosures, and the company's responses will be available through the agency's electronic reading room at: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html . Help in assessing these documents is available from the NRC Public Document Room at: 1-800-397-4209.

1. 1. 1. NRC news releases are available through a free list serve subscription at the following Web address: http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver.html . The NRC homepage at www.nrc.gov also offers a SUBSCRIBE link. E-mail notifications are sent to subscribers when news releases are posted to NRC's Web site.