Radiation exposure of a worker beyond the statuary annual dose limit


Print View Posted on: 01 March 2021

Event Date: 02 July 2020 Event Type: Other
Event Location: Germany, Company for X-ray equipment, Bavaria INES Rating: 2 (Final)

An employee of a company producing machines with integrated X-ray equipment for the determination of the basis weight was unintendedly exposed to radiation during necessary testing work. For the testing, the company concerned uses a self-made radiation protection cabinet, which is equipped with an emergency stop switch and an indicator light for the presence of X-ray radiation as well as integrated door contact switches. These ensure that X-ray emitters can only be operated when the door is closed. In preparation of the testing, the employee caused a failure in the electrical cabling of the cabinet, thus the door contact switches were disabled. X-rays could be emitted with the doors of the cabinet open. The employee did not wear a dosimeter during his work. The X-rays were noticed by radiation control surveys about 30 minutes after start of the work. The resulting dose was determined by use of biological dosimetry. The notional dose was estimated to 183 mGy. This exceeds the German statuary annual dose limit for the whole body dose for occupationally exposed personnel of 20 mSv.

INES Rating: 2 - Incident (Final) as per 01 March 2021
Release beyond authorized limits? No
Overexposure of a member of the public? No
Overexposure of a worker? Yes

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

Degradation of Defence In-Depth No

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

Michael Maqua
Gesellschaft für Anlagen und Reaktorsicherheit

michael.maqua@grs.de
Site Sponsors
Site Sponsors: IAEA, NEA and WANO
This site is hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and co-sponsored by the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization of Economic Cooperation Development (OECD/NEA) and World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).
Disclaimer
This site is hosted by the IAEA, however, event reports are filed and updated by authorities in participating countries, which remain responsible for all related content. Read more >