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Type B Package Release
The radiography source assembly "pigtail" did come out of the
radiography camera, Type B package, in this instant. The radiography
camera was hit and became lodged in the lower structure of the vehicle
and was dragged on pavement for a significant distance.
An open question in this instant remains was the radiography camera,
Type B, package completely prepared in accordance with the Type B
package requirements. The question remains was the lock box protector
cap and/or source assembly safety plug ever installed. The depleted
uranium shield remained contained.
Roy A. Parker, Ph.D.
E-Mail: 70472.711@compuserve.com
Tel: 225-924-1473 - Note new area code
Fax: 225-924-4269 - Note new area code
Pager: 888-714-2733
-------------( Forwarded computer archived letter follows )-------------
From: "Tony LaMastra" <alamastra@enter.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
Subject: Re: Type B cask releases
A radiography camera is a Type B container, but not really a "cask".
Most have a DU shield inside a steel or stainless steel outer shell.
Just reading Ruth's description, it sounds as if the outer shell was
broken open, exposing the DU shell. It is likely the end plugs
remained in place, thereby containing the actual radiography source.
Most portable devices are licensed for up to 100 Ci of Ir192 or up to 40
to 50 Ci of Co60. I would suspect that it was an Ir192, since these
weigh from 30 to 50 pounds, while the Co60 units are in the range of
1000 lbs, and tend to be really secured. There have been several
instances over the years of the smaller Ir192 cameras not be secured (or
even left on the back bumper as the driver drives off).
Even if the DU was exposed, it is still a good indication of the
overall design of the camera, if the actual radiography source was
contained.
Tony LaMastra
alamastra@enter.net
----------
Dear RADSAFERs,
My earlier posting was apparently in error. There were 91 accidents
involving Type B containers between 1971 and 1996, and one did
involve
a release. This was a case in which container holding a
radiography
camera fell off a truck and was run over by a rental car, releasing
the source material. The accident was not included in the table I
cited. Sorry for the confusion.
Ruth Weiner
rfweine@sandia.gov
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