Print View Posted on: 24 May 2013
On 24th April 2013 an Am-241 radiation source (reported activity 3 GBq) was transported for disposal from the Institute of Analytical Chemistry und Radiochemistry at the University of Innsbruck to the Austrian Central Waste Management Facility Nuclear Engineering Seibersdorf (NES). On 2nd May 2013 two workers of NES were contaminated and exposed during opening the transport cask. Also the area for handling the radioactive sources was also contaminated. Cause of the contamination spreading is a leakage of the Am-241 source. Urgent counter measures were taken by NES. The contaminated building was locked up. The transport car was immediately measured and showed no contamination.In the consequence of this event also the Institute of Chemistry und Radiochemistry at the University of Innsbruck was investigated. An Am-241 contamination was detected in the laboratory. Two members of the Institute who packed the source for transport were also contaminated. The contaminated laboratory of the Institute was also locked up until decontamination.All 4 persons involved in the event were brought to hospitals for medical survey and first dose estimates. Measurements of Urine samples show that these persons have incorporated Am-241 leading to an exposure exceeding the statutory annual whole body dose limit for workers (20 mSv). No deterministic health effects were observed and are unlikely based on first dose estimates. The final results of the dose assessments are awaited within the next weeks. It can be excluded that other personnel or members of the public were exposed or contaminated by this incident. The investigations of the root causes of the incident by the responsible authorities are under way.