Worker Exposure Caused by a Radiation-Generating Device


Print View Posted on: 29 December 2025

Event Date: 19 November 2024 Event Type: Radiation Source
Event Location: Korea, Republic of, Hwaseong-si INES Rating: 3 (Final)

In November 2024, a worker was exposed to radiation during the inspection of an X-ray device used for foreign object detection in manufactured products at a facility that produces and sells such devices. The worker was conducting performance improvement work on the device (80kV, 1.25mA) and, without turning off the power, inserted his hands into the machine to disassemble and reassemble the collimator, while X-rays were being continuously emitted.
Since the device was still in the production phase, radiation warning lamp had not yet been properly installed. The worker continued the task without being aware that radiation was being emitted.
Subsequently, localized radiation effects such as erythema and pain appeared on the worker's hand. According to the dose assessment, the equivalent dose to the skin on the worker’s hand was estimated to exceed 2,000 mSv, surpassing the annual dose limit.

INES Rating: 3 - Serious incident (Final) as per 18 June 2025
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 Yes

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

Hyungjoon Yu
Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety(KINS)

hjryu@kins.re.kr
https://www.kins.re.kr
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