NRC: News Release - Region IV - 2008-035 - NRC Proposes $20,800 Fine Against Alaska Industrial X-Ray, Inc., Issues Order Modifying License

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U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Office of Public Affairs, Region IV
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No. IV-08-035		August 21, 2008
CONTACT:	Victor Dricks Phone: 817-860-8128	E-mail: opa4@nrc.gov
NRC PROPOSES $20,800 FINE AGAINST ALASKA INDUSTRIAL X-RAY, INC., ISSUES ORDER MODIFYING LICENSE
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a fine of $20,800 against Alaska Industrial X-Ray, Inc. of Anchorage, Alaska, for violating NRC requirements. In addition, NRC has issued an order modifying the terms and conditions of the company’s license and barred two individuals from participating in NRC licensed activities. In a letter to the company, NRC Region IV Administrator Elmo E. Collins said that as a result of an NRC inspection and investigation, the agency determined that the company violated requirements for the possession and use of radioactive materials. The violations occurred when two of the company’s radiographers, a part-time radiographer and radiation safety officer deliberately conducted radiographic operations at a temporary jobsite without the presence of two qualified individuals on multiple occasions since 2004. In addition, company officials, including the president, provided misleading information to NRC investigators when questioned about the incidents. “The circumstances in this case raise serious concerns about AIX company management’s ability or desire to conduct licensed activities safely.” Collins said. “This is why significant enforcement action is needed.” Therefore, the NRC is issuing an Order modifying the company’s license to require (1) continued independent oversight designed to ensure that AIX radiographers follow NRC requirements; (2) that AIX hire an independent consultant to evaluate the company’s safety procedures and provide training to radiographers and their assistants; (3) that steps be taken to control access to an area where radiography is conducted; and (4) the president of AIX take radiation safety training and perform quarterly audits of company radiographers. In addition, the NRC has issued orders barring two individuals involved in the incidents from participating in NRC licensed activities for periods of one year and three years. �� The company has 30 days to pay the proposed fine or challenge it; 20 days to respond to the order or request a hearing; and 10 days to request alternative dispute resolution. The NRC’s letter, its enclosures, and the company’s responses will be available through the agency’s electronic reading room at: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. Help in assessing these documents is available from the NRC Public Document Room at: 1-800-397-4209.
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