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what is news and what is not
Tim,
I do understand your point. Our disagreement centers around what is news. Your
opinion is that unless there is something to be gained, or some action to be taken,
then the information is not newsworthy. I obviously disagree.
In this case, there is much to be learned. This incident is no different than similar
incidents in medical facilities, nuclear power plants, etc. Loss of Control where a High
or VERY High Radiation Area can occur. In this instance, what can be assessed
using root cause analysis:
1. Inadequate communication. Workers unaware that there was an installation or
maintenance taking place.
2. Victim unaware that medical irradiation activities were taking place.
3. Areas accessible where extremely high doses could be received without
knowledge of the facility management.
4. Inadequate procedures. Nothing in place to secure an area prior to irradiation.
5. Lack of visual or audible alarms in areas where access was possible.
I could go on. Anyway, I've seen your comments, as have others, and, we'll just have
to disagree what is news and what is not. In conclusion, the more we are aware of
what is being told to the public, via written media, TV or radio, the better prepared we
are to deal with it. The worse thing that can happen is for the public to raise a
question or issue, and we professionals can only shrug our shoulders, demonstrating
lack of knowledge, and more often than not, a perception that anything that happens
in our field can't be bad, where there are no consequences. This is foolhardy at best.
We need to be prepared to deal with issue, real, or perceived to be real.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sandy Perle Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100
Director, Technical Extension 2306
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Service Fax:(714) 668-3149
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net
ICN Plaza, 3300 Hyland Avenue E-Mail: sperle@icnpharm.com
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Personal Website: http://sandy-travels.com
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com
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