Re: Circuit Breakers

[James Reese <jreese@smtpgate.ddrw.dla.mil>]

     Elaine-
     
     Older models were built containing radioactive material, some with Co, 
     Cs, Ra-226, and Th.  We routinely see these at Military supply 
     activities.  
     
     Jim Reese
     Health Physicist
     Defense Logistics Agency
     jreese@ddrw.dla.mil


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Circuit Breakers 
Author:  <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu > at SMTPGATE
Date:    10/31/97 1:29 PM


During a recent survey in our warehouse, it was discovered that a circuit 
breaker (5 keV and 2000 amps) was about 10 times background on a Bicron 
Analyst.  These levels were localized to an area around the arc suppressor.
 No radioactive source label was present on the outside of the equipment.
This item was purchased approximately two years ago as a spare and has been 
in storage since then.  I have tried to contact the vendor (General 
Electric) to see what the source could be, but everyone I talk to keeps 
telling me that there is no way that it can be radioactive.  This is 
probably naturally occuring.  However, until I can identify what it is, I 
am bound by our procedures for labelling, posting, release, etc.  Does 
anyone have any idea of what element or isotope may be involved?
     
Elaine
     
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Elaine Marshall
Fermilab
Kirk and Wilson Roads / WH-7E
PO Box 500, Mail Stop 119
Batavia, IL 60510
     
PH......: 630-840-8756
FAX.....: 630-840-3390
     
E-MAIL..: emarshall@fnal.gov
     
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