Emergency Source Recovery

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What is an Emergency?

Any condition where the source can’t be shielded

What are the Main Causes?

A. Source tube or end piece not installed, falls off,

Emergency Source Retrieval

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or unscrewsB. Source disconnect or misconnect C. Equipment malfunction:

– Damaged source tube– Damaged/weak controls– Damaged connector(s) – Worn S-tube – Foreign material or excess lubrication in system – Premature tripping of automatic securing mechanism

Beeper/chirperHigh capacity dosimeter (10 R)Dosimeter chargerHand calculator (to estimate dose)Extra signs and barrier tape

Emergency Source Retrieval

Source Retrieval Equipment

Cellular telephoneTape recorderShovelLead shot bagsFl hlight

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Extra signs and barrier tapeHack saw (fine-tooth)Cable cutters (for drive cable)50 ft cord (1/4" dia.) with hookRemote handling tools: tongs, channel locksDummy pigtail (to practice retrieval)Lead brick (hole, eyelet, groove)Source changer or another camera

(even if loaded)

FlashlightHand mirrorBinocularsSmall magnetsTapeInsect sprayShielded viceCrescent wrenchDigital cameraFinger Badge

Emergency Source Retrieval

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Lead tunnel brick

Emergency Source Retrieval

Practicingretrieval

with

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withdummysource

Source Retrieval

Practice source retrieval(crimped guide tube)

Tools:t l l t l d t l

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steel plate, lead tunnel brick, lead shot bag

& hammer

Initial Response

A. Interview workers at site1. Determine status of workers (physical & emotional)2. Verify restricted area established/extended

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3. Description of incident and condition of equipment4. Determine status of client5. Determine status of media6. Provide instructions to workers

B. RSO notify radiation control agency (if needed).

C. RSO notify client (if needed)

D. Do not call it an emergency.

A. Determine exact source capsule location (within 1") 1. Visual 2. Survey

(a) Extension probe(b) Remote survey

– Survey meter relocation

Emergency Source Retrieval

Retrieval Planning

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Survey meter relocation – Shield relocation – Source relocation

B. Verify source location (i.e., triangulation)

C. Develop retrieval strategy1. Break down into individual steps2. Estimate distance, time & dose for each step

– Whole body & extremities3. Practice retrieval using dummy source

D. Report to client (if needed)

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A. Monitor dosage after each step

B. Revise strategy if required

Emergency Source Retrieval

Retrieve Source

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Do not improviseduring a retrieval!

Assistance from Regulators:

Emergency Source Retrieval

Keep client & any media out of the way

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Looks like its all over… Back to

you in the studio, Bob.

Emergency Source Retrieval

12Questions?