Re: wrong DOT label

[Dave Derenzo <dave@uic.edu>]

At 04:06 PM 05/16/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi Everyone,
>
>We recently received a package of P-32 radioisotopes labeled with a White
>I but measured 1.2 mR/hr on the exterior of the package.  Therefore, it
>should have been labeled with a Yellow II, right?

Maybe, it depends on their instrument and yours.  It just might be a 
difference in how measurements were made (ion chamber vs g.m., slightly 
different distances, geometry etc.)   Remember, small detectors (g.m.) can 
get closer to the surface than large detectors (ion chambers).  P-32 is a 
high energy beta emitter, so you are probably measuring bremmstrahlung 
x-rays of fairly low energy and different instruments will respond 
differently (look at the energy response curve for your instrument).  BTW, 
for those of you at power plants, do you correct for the distance of the 
detector from the surface of the package?  I remember an NRC draft reg 
guide about this many years ago.

>We called the shipper and the carrier about the error, but should we have
>notified anyone else?

Assuming it is a real error, there are no notifications that I know of at 
these levels.

>Thank you for any insight you may have on this topic.
>
>Irene Sakimoto
>
>
>
>
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Dave Derenzo, RSO (dave@uic.edu)
UIC Radiation Safety Section, M/C 932
Phones: Voice (312) 996-1177  Fax: (312) 996-8776

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