Print View Posted on: 09 January 2014
During the modernization in the „Bełchatów” Coal-Fired Power Plant (Rogowiec, Łódzkie province) there has been discovered the loss of two radioactive sources containing isotope Co-60, that were used as the level gauges. The sources were in their shielded containers (dimensions 30 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm). The details of the sources:- source no BA469 with current activity of 1,08 GBq, container PRJ 500 no 3010 weighing approximately 180 kg;- source no BA476 with current activity of 2,43 GBq, container PRJ 1000 no 2740 weighing approximately 240 kg.The search of the premises conducted by the licensee had no positive result. The Regulatory Body was notified on 27th of November 2013, and then appropriate services were informed. The local scrap metal facility was searched with no positive result. The Regulatory Body conducted inspection in the „Bełchatów” Coal-Fired Power Plant. The inspection’s results revealed that the current status of radiation protection in the facility is consistent with the law and the terms and conditions of the license. All the other radioactive sources that were used in the facility are secured. The inspectors also determined that the cause of the sources loss was the lack of proper supervision over the work of the external company carrying modernization of the ash containers, where the devices containing sources were installed.The dismantling of the level gauges containing radioactive sources in the premises was performed by 4 external workers, not assigned to work with the sources of ionizing radiation (workers considered as the members of the public). Additionally, the other 18 external workers were performing their duties in the area where dismantled sources were placed. These external workers also were not assigned to work with the sources of ionizing radiation (workers considered as the members of the public). The doses of afore-mentioned workers didn’t exceed the dose limit for members of the public.The investigation is being conducted by law enforcement in order to locate the missing sources and/or perpetrators.According to the IAEA categorization of radioactive sources, the missing sources are of category 4. The sources may pose a health risk in case when the containers in which they are located will be open. This amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed, could temporarily injure person who was in contact with it for many hours.