Print View Posted on: 12 October 2011
During loading of a 44.8 TBq (1210 curie) Co-60 source into a research irradiator at the licensee’s New Jersey facility, approximately 10 cm of the 20 cm source somehow became dislodged for approximately 25 to 30 seconds, exposing two service personnel (radiation workers) and a radiation safety officer (RSO) the licensee had employed under reciprocity using a Pennsylvania license. The service personnel were working under the supervision and direction of the Pennsylvania licensee. The insertion tool prevented the workers from re-inserting the dislodged source quickly. However, the workers were able to shield the source with titanium and forced it into place by breaking off the insertion tool. The service personnel received approximately 81 and 77 mSv (8.1 and 7.7 rem) each to the whole body based on readings obtained from electronic dosimeters the workers were wearing. In addition, the two service personnel received an estimated 500 to 600 mSv (50 to 60 rem) to the extremities. The RSO received approximately 114 mSv (11.4 rem) to the whole body. This dose was based on an actual reading of the individual’s dosimetry which was sent for processing. In addition, four other workers who were in attendance during the attempted source exchange received approximately 15 mSv (1.5 rem) to 35 mSv (3.5 rem) whole body. Final dose assessments are being conducted.