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IDNS Inspects Program, Cites Security

User surveys, food in laboratories, inventory accountability, missing labels also cited

 

Inspectors from the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety visited the University on July 1, 2, and 3 for the purpose of reviewing radiation safety practices and compliance with conditions of the broad license. In the context of a generally good review the inspectors noted a number of problems that must be corrected, including the following.

 

·        Security. The University will be cited for the fourth consecutive time for a failure to maintain security after inspectors found a door open to a lab that was unattended. Although the lab is connected to a larger lab, the inspectors felt that the lines of sight were such that someone could enter the area without being seen.

·        User surveys. The quality of user surveys came under fire when inspectors found contamination on a bench. Although the user had done a survey and disposed of contaminated absorbent material, contamination that had leaked through was not detected. In another case, contamination was discovered on cardboard covering the floor near a fume hood.

·        Food. Beverage containers and evidence of food consumption were found in one lab.

·        Labels. Inspectors found a contaminated, unlabeled vortex mixer in one lab, and an unlabeled box containing various radioactive wastes in another lab. Although the waste collection area was labeled with tape, the box was not, and it was apparent that a different radionuclide was in the waste than stated on the label. In addition, scintillation vials were improperly collected for disposal.

·        Accountability. One laboratory could not produce an inventory form for recently used P-32.

 

These are basic compliance issues that should be well known to all radiation workers. The security citation is particularly troubling because it comes at a time when we would expect workers to have a heightened awareness of the need for security and the consequences of diversion of even small quantities of hazardous materials.

 

The University is required to demonstrate that it is acting to prevent the recurrence of these items of noncompliance. The response utilizes two basic approaches. First, PIs must ensure that each radiation worker understands the requirements and follows them. Regular refresher training is required under the license and the PI is responsible for providing or arranging it. Reading and signing the NUtrino newsletter is just a start; active oversight of compliance is essential.

 

Second, the University will utilize the enforcement policy and cite investigators accordingly. ORS staff are instructed to be vigilant during lab surveys and to document noncompliance, with particular attention to those items cited repeatedly by the state. The policy requires suspension of the authorization following three citations in a five-year period. Remember that the use of radioactive materials is a privilege, not a right, and you can lose it by not following the rules.