Object: Retrieval of Co-60 orphan source at Genoa port coming from Senegal.


Print View Posted on: 01 October 2014

Event Date: 30 July 2014 Event Type: Transportation
Event Location: Italy, Genoa Voltri Port INES Rating: 1 (Provisional)

On the 30th of July 2014, at the port of Genova Voltri, radiometric investigation revealed abnormal levels of radiation inside the container of metal scraps MRKU8395940, coming from Senegal, shipped by a company based in Sharjah (United Arab Emirates).
Specifically the dose rate on contact with the container result equal to 2,3 microSievert/h and rapidly decrease to a value of 0,15 microSievert/h at 20 cm from the container, and comparable with the local natural background (0,05 microSievert/h) at 1 meter from the container. Spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of Co-60.
The container has been placed in a safety condition in a secure area of the terminal VTE and it does not entail a significant radiological risk for the operators of Voltri Terminal Europa or the population.
The local authorities have decided, according to the national legislative provision on the matter, art.157 D. Lgs n. 230/1995, not to allow the container to enter in Italy and to return it to the shipped company based in United Arab Emirates.

INES Rating: 1 - Anomaly (Provisional) as per 01 October 2014
Release beyond authorized limits? No
Overexposure of a member of the public? No
Overexposure of a worker? No

Contamination spread within the facility? No
Damage to radiological barriers (incl. fuel damage) within the facility? No

Degradation of Defence In-Depth Yes

Person injured physically or casualty? No
Is there a continuing problem? No

Giorgio De Benedetti
Institute for Environmental Protection & Research (ISPRA)

giorgio.debenedetti@isprambiente.it
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