Re: All Over Contamination

[sandy_perle@email.fpl.com]

     Let's all recall that the referenced incident was the release of a 
     contaminated tool, and was not referring to general contamination of 
     an area. While nobody wants to see uncontrolled release of radioactive 
     materials in areas where it does not belong, there is s big difference 
     between broadcast contamination and a contaminated item. As long as 
     the contamination measured is below a threshold, and we use 1,000 
     dpm/100 cm^2, the item is considered "not contaminated", and can be 
     free- released. This is analogous to an individual being found "not 
     guilty" in a court of law. Yes, the individual is freed, but that 
     doesn't mean to say that he was found "innocent", so too is whether or 
     not an item is considered contaminated. Simply another DeMinimis 
     value. Without it we'd be storing everything and releasing nothing, if 
     there were any measurable contamination. That we can not afford to do.
     
     Sandy Perle
     Supervisor Health Physics
     Florida Power and Light Company
     Nuclear Division
     
     (407) 694-4219 Office
     (407) 694-3706 Fax
     
     sandy_perle@email.fpl.com
     
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