Transport of package containing a radioactive source from Kenya to South Africa

Print View Posted on: 06 January 2017

Event Date: 06 November 2016 Event Type: Transportation
Event Location: South Africa, From Kenya to South Africa INES Rating: 2 (Provisional)

A parcel containing an industrial radiography sealed source was transported from Kenya to South Africa. The package was labelled as empty (UN2908) and was handled as a general luggage during transportation in a South African Airways passenger flight. On arrival at the final destination the dose rate on the outside surface of the package was measured by the consignee to be 6mSv per hour. The measured dose rate on the surface of the package could potentially result in the low to moderate health risk to people who were in contact with the package.

INES Rating: 2 - Incident (Provisional) as per 20 December 2016
Release beyond authorized limits? No
Overexposure of a member of the public? Yes
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? Yes

Mothusi R. Ramerafe
South Africa National Nuclear Regulator (NNR)
rramerafe@nnr.co.za
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