NRC SUSPENDS NRC LICENSE OF NEW JERSEY RADIOGRAPHY COMPANY
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In September 2001, a radiographer from United Evaluation was performing work in Baltimore, Md., and received a very significant radiation exposure to his hands in excess of regulatory limits (at a minimum 250-300 rem) while performing radiography. Apparently, the source failed to fully retract to the shielded position following a previous radiographic exposure and the radiographer approached the device without a survey meter, and without wearing an alarming ratemeter. Either one of those precautions would have alerted the radiographer that the source was not in a shielded position. Although this event occurred while working in Baltimore under a license issued to the company by the State of Maryland (an NRC Agreement State), the company also possesses an NRC license authorizing similar activities within states subject to NRC jurisdiction.

Based on the NRC investigation and inspection, which are still underway, the NRC has concluded that the radiographer who was overexposed had not received annual refresher training and not taken the training exam, as required. Instead, an assistant radiographer completed the annual exam in his place. In addition, the President/Radiation Safety Officer provided the NRC with an inaccurate training record.

The NRC has also found that the former Operations Manager knowingly transported and used a radiographic device in New Jersey without the required end cap, which ensures proper shielding of the radioactive source. In addition, the President/Radiation Safety Officer, in writing and during the inspection deliberately provided inaccurate information to the NRC. The NRC has also determined that an assistant radiographer performed the duties of a radiographer knowing that he was not certified to do so.

In the order, Martin Virgilio, Acting Deputy Executive Director for Materials, Research and State Programs, said, "These actions by the Licensee have raised serious doubt as to whether the Licensee can be relied upon in the future to comply with NRC requirements."

The order requires the company, among other things, to suspend all use of NRC licensed material and place it in locked storage. The company also must provide information to the NRC on why its license should not be modified or revoked.

The company has 20 days to respond to the order.

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Monday, December 08, 2008