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Radiocesium contamination at a steel plant in Ireland
J O O'Grady1, C Hone, F J Turvey
1Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, 3 Clonskeagh Square, Dublin, Ireland.
Health Physics
|April 1, 1996
Summary
A radioactive cesium-137 source contaminated scrap metal at Irish Steel, causing significant costs but negligible radiological risk. This incident underscores the need for better tracking of radioactive materials.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Safety
- Environmental Health
- Nuclear Safety
Background:
- Radioactive sources are sometimes found in scrap metal consignments.
- A 3.7 GBq 137Cs source was mistakenly sent to Irish Steel in 1990.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document an incident of radioactive contamination in a metal recycling facility.
- To highlight the financial and safety implications of such events.
Main Methods:
- A cesium-137 (137Cs) source was smelted at Irish Steel.
- Contaminated non-ferrous materials were exported.
- The contamination was detected during a routine radiation survey in the UK.
Main Results:
- Irish Steel incurred substantial decontamination costs.
- The radiological risk to personnel was negligible.
- Contaminated dust was securely stored.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced surveillance of radioactive source movement is crucial.
- Metal recycling facilities require robust radiation monitoring systems.
- Regulatory oversight is needed from production to disposal of radioactive materials.