Loss of a device containing radioactive sources

Print View Posted on: 31 August 2016

Event Date: 25 August 2016 Event Type: Radiation Source
Event Location: Poland, Boguszow-Gorce, Poland INES Rating: 1 (Provisional)

On the 25th of August 2016 the lack of two density gauges containing a category 5 radioactive source each (Am-241 activities 240 MBq and 185 MBq) was discovered at a former barite mining facility. The gauges were not in use and were to be disposed of. The gauges were supposedly stolen but the exact date of the theft is not known due to the licensee’s lack of proper documentation. There is no evidence of possible exposure of individuals.

INES Rating: 1 - Anomaly (Provisional) as per 30 August 2016
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

Maciej Drabent
National Atomic Energy Agency
maciej.drabent@paa.gov.pl
http://www.paa.gov.pl
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