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<td><a href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/index.jsf?function=view&lessonId=897">Offsite Release of Scrap Metal that Included a Smoke Detector that Contained Radioactive Material - Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS)</a></td>
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Statement of Lessons Learned</h2>
<pre>For a copy of the original report, see “Attachments” on Lessons Learned page.
A routine load of scrap metal set off the radiation monitor at a local metal recycling facility.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Discussion of Activities</h2>
<pre>A routine pickup of metal by a licensed recycling facility occurred on April 1, 2015. Upon delivery, the scrap metal load set off the facility’s radiation monitor. Further evaluation, with a hand-held detector, indicated a hot spot reading 300 micro rem/hour.
The scrap metal load was wrapped and secured, to meet Department of Transportation shipping requirement, and returned to SRNS. Radiological Protection Personnel then did a detailed probe of the load until the source of radiation was discovered. Two vintage smoke detectors, containing Ra-226, (see Attachment for picture) were found and removed. This cleared the load for redeliver.
The scrap metal is now pending shipment back to the metal recycling facility for processing.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Analysis</h2>
<pre>Upon review of the actions leading up to this incident it was determined that the smoke detectors were not readily marked to identify them as containing a radioisotope; nor were they identified as prohibited item. It was normal procedure to place smoke detectors into scrap metal collection pans .
Impact to SRNS include:
-Significant extra return cost
-Additional expense to collect and retrieve offending items.
-Acceptance of scrap metal remains suspended.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Recommended Actions</h2>
<pre>Below are the consequences of the above event. They are provided for information and discussion purposes only.
A work plan was developed to identify the source of radioactive material within the returned load of scrap metal. The plan included the dumping of the material on the ground and utilizing Radiological Protection personnel to probe the load until the source of radiation was discovered.
Action Items:
-Review the location and security of collection areas so contents can be examined prior to disposal.
-Review the prohibited items list with employees.
-Consider locating and marking similar "source containing" items which do not have radiation markings.
-Consider increase the sensitivity of pre-removal radiation detectors to be comparable, or better, than those at the local facility.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">JLab Preventive Measures</h2>
<pre></pre>
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<h2>Comments</h2>
<h5 style="white-space:nowrap">7/22/2015 12:32:26 PM by Bailey, Mary Jo</h5>
<pre>Submitted to those current in:
SAF803kd: General Access RWP for ARMs
SAF906: Hazardous Waste Mgt & Handling</pre>
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<legend>Summary</legend>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Lesson ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">897</td>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Status:</td>
<td class="dataval">OK</td>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Doc ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">2015-JLAB-897</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Priority:</td>
<td class="dataval">Info</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Safety Related:</td>
<td class="dataval">NO</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Originator:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Issued:</td>
<td class="dataval">7/22/2015 12:24:36 PM</td>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Approved By:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Approved On:</td>
<td class="dataval">7/22/2015 12:32:26 PM</td>
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<td class="label">Source:</td>
<td class="dataval">
DOECRD
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<td class="label" nowrap>Location:</td>
<td class="dataval">OTHER</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Cost Savings:</td>
<td class="dataval"></td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Contact:</td>
<td class="dataval">Peggy Plyer, SRNS Property Management - (803) 557-4976</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Queued Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Sent Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Viewings:</td>
<td class="dataval">2 times</td>
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<legend>Attachments</legend>
<a name="attachments"></a>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/downloadAttachment?attachmentId=3902">DOE - Scrap Metal.pdf</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="downloadAttachment?attachmentId=3903">DOE - Scrap Metal1.pdf</a></li>
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<legend>Hazard Issues</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>Radiation - Ionizing</li>
</ul>
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<legend>Skills</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>SAF803kd: General Access RWP for ARMs</li>
<li>SAF906: Hazardous Waste Mgt & Handling</li>
</ul>
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<legend>Distribution/Notification</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>*Division Safety Officers (DSOs)</li>
<li>*Safety Wardens</li>
<li>*DOE Notification</li>
<li>*ESH&Q Liaisons</li>
</ul>
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Do you have a lesson learned you would like to contribute? Contact the <a href="mailto:cjohnson@jlab.org,sjsmith@jlab.org,mbailey@jlab.org">Lesson Learned Coordinator</a>.