On November 9, 1993, personnel at the Savannah River Laboratory Technical Area issued an unusual occurrence report concerning the loss of control of an accountable radioactive source. On October 28, 1993, a radiological control technician at the Savannah River Site discovered a bag containing two sealed plutonium-238 sources while cleaning out cabinets in an office. Radiological control personnel surveyed the bag and the sources and no detectable transferable contamination was found. They determined that one of the two sources had an activity greater than the limit requiring source control. The sources were last surveyed in December 1989 and were intended to be used to source check a low-volume continuous air monitor.
Upon discovery, facility personnel conducted an inspection of radiological control operations offices for additional unaccounted sources, but none were found. They could not determine how long these sources were in the area, although the offices were surveyed during February 1992. (ORPS Report SR--WSRC-LTA-1993-0102)
ONS reported in previous OE Weekly Summaries numerous events involving the failure to properly account for radioactive sources; incorrect labeling, shipping, and receipt inspection; improper disposal; inadequate postings for storage areas; access control weaknesses; training deficiencies; and lack of procedural guidance for controlling sources. Although, in many instances, the sources had decayed to levels that did not pose a significant hazard to the public, adequate control of all radioactive sources is essential regardless of source strength. Additional information associated with control of sources can be found in Nuclear Regulatory Commission Information Notice 90-47, "Unplanned Radiation Exposures to Personnel Extremities Due to Improper Handling of Highly Radioactive Sources."