Protecting People and the EnvironmentUNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
BL74005
SHIPMENT OF AN IMPROPERLY SHIELDED SOURCE
April 12, 1974
DRO Bulletin No. 74-5
A. Description of Circumstances
A recent air shipment of a radiographic sealed source containing 32
curies of iridium 192 was received by the consignee with the sealed
source in an essentially unshielded condition. The shipment was made
in a Gamma Industries Model C-10 shipping container. Preliminary
investigation results indicate that the manufacturer's instructions
were not followed and the package was improperly loaded by the shipper.
As a result, some passengers and transportation cargo handlers received
unnecessary radiation exposure. Copies of the public announcements
issued by AEC on April 9 and 10, 1974, summarizing the preliminary
information are enclosed. The extent and significance of the radiation
exposures and the details concerning the loading of the package are
being investigated at this time.
This occurrence dramatically illustrates the need for all radiography
licensees to assure that all shipments of radiographic sources are
properly packaged and confirmed to meet DOT regulations prior to
shipment, as required by your licensee. The procedures developed by you
in accordance with the below action items will be examined during
subsequent inspections of your licensed activities.
B. Action To Be Taken
In view of the above, you will take all necessary steps to assure that
all subsequent shipments of radiographic sources are made safely. As a
minimum, these steps should provide assurance that:
1. Only shipping containers authorized by your license are used.
2. The step-by-step instructions issued by the manufacturer of the
container are followed in detail and in the sequence presented.
3. The source is securely locked in the fully shielded position as
confirmed by carefully performed and recorded radiation surveys.
4. No package with radiation levels in excess of 200 milliroentgens
per hour at the package surface, or 10 milliroentgens per hour at
three feet, should be released for shipment, as specified in DOT
regulations.
5. Package labeling and accompanying shipping papers should be
properly completed.
Attachments:
1. AEC Press Release No. T-161
2. AEC Press Release No. T-162
Attachment K