Events Reporting: Radiation Device Licensees
2022
Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Inc.
Date of event: September 2, 2022
On September 6, 2022, Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Inc., located in Come by Chance, Newfoundland, informed the CNSC that an explosion had occurred at its refinery facility between units 13 and 19 on September 2, 2022. The facility is licensed by the CNSC to use fixed gauges to measure liquid levels within closed tanks for certain operating processes; however, the explosion did not involve material regulated by the CNSC. As a result of the explosion, 8 individuals were injured and sent to hospital, 2 of whom were released on September 5, 2022. Occupational Health and Safety Newfoundland is onsite to investigate. The licensee indicated that although the explosion did not involve any nuclear substances, a detailed report will be submitted to the CNSC.
2018
Notification of stolen portable gauge
Date of event: October 23, 2018
On October 23, 2018, a Troxler 4640b moisture density gauge was reported as stolen from a construction site in Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, near Alma, Quebec. A police report was filed with the local police force. The device was stored in a yellow Type A package and contains the nuclear substance Cs-137 with an activity of 296 MBq. The device contains a sealed source that is categorized as Category 4 based on internationally established standards, which means that the radioactive material is considered low risk and unlikely to be dangerous.
On October 23, the portable gauge was recovered.
Corrective actions are being taken by the licensee to retrain all staff on security and notifications procedures.
Radiation device description:
Troxler 4640b moisture-density gauge
Serial no. 1434
Cs-137 – 296 MBq (Serial number 75-5423)
Notification of stolen portable gauge
Date of event: October 12, 2018
On October 12, 2018, it was discovered that a Troxler model 3440+ portable density gauge, serial number 69988, was stolen from a pickup truck parked overnight at a residence in Fort McMurray, AB. The incident was reported to the local RCMP. This device contains the nuclear substances Am-241/Be with an activity of 1,480 MBq and Cs-137 with an activity of 296 MBq. It is categorized as Category 4 or low risk and unlikely to be dangerous based on internationally established standards.
On October 16, the portable gauge was recovered. The shutter was closed and no external damage was noted.
Immediate corrective actions were taken by the licensee, including reinforcement of the process whereby portable gauges are not to be stored in technician vehicles overnight.
Notification of stolen portable gauge
Date of event: August 20, 2018
On August 20, 2018, a Troxler 3440 portable density gauge was reported as stolen from a construction site in Saint-Leonard, Quebec. A police report has been filed with the local police force. This device contains the nuclear substances Am-241/Be with an activity of 1,480 MBq and Cs-137 with an activity of 300 MBq. It is categorized as Category 4 based on internationally established standards, which means that the radioactive material is considered low risk and unlikely to be dangerous. The device does not pose a hazard as long as it is not tampered with or damaged.
Update: On September 1, 2018, the portable gauge was recovered. The licensee notified the CNSC on September 4, 2018.
Radiation device description:
Troxler 3440 surface moisture-density gauge
Serial no. 36656
Cs-137 – 300 MBq (sealed source serial no. 7512-634)
Am-241/Be – 1,480 Mbq (sealed source no. 78-1483)
Dose limit exceedance for a radiographer in Grande Prairie, Alberta
Date of event: January 30, 2018
On January 30, 2018, 20/20 ND Technologies Inc. reported to the CNSC, as required, about the potential for an exposure device operator to have received an effective dose of greater than 150 mSv. The company, located in Grande Prairie, Alberta, is licensed by the CNSC to conduct licensed activities (operations involving industrial radiography) throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
In response to the reported overexposure, the licensee took the actions required by section 16 of the Radiation Protection Regulations : It removed the employee from work that could have added to the dose received, notified the CNSC of the dosimetry result, and performed an investigation to determine the cause of the exposure.
The CNSC is in contact with the licensee to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
2017
FCE Materials Testing Inc.
Date of event: Between 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30 and
12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2017
CNSC licensee FCE Materials Testing Inc. reported to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission the theft of a portable nuclear gauge containing Cs-137, a category 4 sealed source. The device was stolen while it was stored in its type A package overnight in a company vehicle in the Liberty Village area of Toronto.
The Toronto Police Service has been notified. The gauge has not been recovered. The portable gauge does not pose a hazard as long as it is not tampered with or damaged.
For more information on category 4 sealed sources, visit the CNSC’s sealed source tracking page.
Type A package
The device was stored in a yellow box, classified as a Type A package – 81 cm (32") length x 43 cm (17") width x 46 cm (18") height. The portable gauge is about the size of a shoebox, with an electronic keypad and a metal handle extending from the top.
Radiation device description:
HUMBOLDT – 5001-P
Serial No. 1073
Manufacturer: QSA GLOBAL
Cs-137 – 370 MBq (sealed source serial number 501110)
Am-241/Be – 1480 MBq (sealed source serial number 477640)
2016
Cave Inspection Ltd.
Date of event: August 3, 2016
Cave Inspection Ltd. reported to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) that it had lost a Sentinel Delta 880 radiographic exposure device on the evening of Wednesday, August 3, 2016 along a highway in Alberta. The licensee recovered the device the next day on August 4, 2016. CNSC packaging requirements for this type of device are designed to withstand extreme drops, fire and direct impacts. Therefore, the device was in safe condition to be transported back to a secure storage location for inspection. There was no impact to members of the public or the environment, and the CNSC was in constant contact with the licensee and local response authorities to ensure that appropriate follow up actions were taken.
West Fraser Mill Ltd.
Date of event: March 9, 2016
CNSC licensee West Fraser Mill Ltd. notified the CNSC of a fire at their Quesnel, BC mill occurring at 17:30 MST on March 9, 2016. Six nuclear gauges containing Cs–137, used for routine monitoring of industrial processes in the mill, were in the vicinity of the fire. An inspection and radiation survey of the gauges by the licensee indicates that the sources are intact and that the gauges were not damaged by the fire or heat. Pursuant to regulations, the gauges will be leak tested before being put back into service. The licensee appears to have properly implemented the emergency response provisions of the radiation safety manual referenced in its CNSC licence. CNSC staff are therefore satisfied that there is adequate protection for the environment and the health and safety of all persons.
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