Safety and security inspections

Some differences may exist between french and english regulations. Lessons learned are only a translation of those of french incident and are not adapt to english regulation.

pdf Exposure due to a mobile freight fluoroscopy device (208 kB)

Description of incident

A large mobile X-ray (fluoroscopy) machine, was being used for the inspection of merchandise and freight. The day of incident, the mobile fluoroscopy vehicle was on a company premises but without any markings or demarcation of the area.

A person who worked for a neighboring company was in the vicinity of the freight X-ray system while it was in operation. No employee of site owners was present at that time. The only indication that the unit was in operation was some red lights: there was no audible signal.

The person walked alongside the mobile unit at approximately 3 metres from the device’s detector (see diagram), entering the controlled area for an instant. Upon arriving close to the cabin, the person then crossed the light beams delimiting the secure zone, which resulted in the interruption of the X-ray emission. The detector column was shielded, and the person did not cross the direct X-ray beam.

Radiological consequences

Following the incident, a dose assessment was performed based on the above description (a total of 6 minutes occupancy time). The estimated dose was less than 1 µSv.

Measurements under real operating condition were carried out at various points, and in one position 3 metres to the left of the source, the dose rate was 150 µSv/hr, likely to be the result of a slight leak.

Lessons to be learned from the incident

Incidents on this type of device only rarely lead to high doses. However, these devices can potentially expose a large number of persons if radiation protection measures (often simple) are not implemented.

Although in this incident the dose was very low, it is quite possible that higher exposures could have been received if the pattern of exposure were different. Simple measures that would help to avoid these exposures include:

• Ensuring that the perimeter of the controlled area is fully demarcated (by physical barriers or light beams), and marked with suitable warning signs ( including “do not enter”) at all potential points of entry.
• The above demarcation is only effective if it has been verified, monitored and supervised in order to avoid it being crossed by onlookers or other workers.
• During the operation, an operator should always be present to terminate the exposure in the case of any incidents such as this.
• Audible signals when the device is in operation would draw it to the attention of persons attempting to enter the area.

pdf Exposure due to a mobile freight fluoroscopy device (208 kB)