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Accidental cesium-137 (10045973) (Cs-137) contamination at an Irish metal recycling facility in 1990 was described. A routine radiation survey conducted at the site of a client who had obtained pellets formed from contaminated scrap metal components, from the Irish metal recycling facility, revealed abnormally high radioactivity. Measurements performed by the Nuclear Energy Board confirmed the results of the survey. Dust and floor samples were taken and indicated Cs-137 levels as high as 20,000 becquerels/kilogram (Bq/kg), as well as trace amounts of cesium-134 (13967709) at up to 40Bq/kg. An investigation of the origins for the contamination showed that a Cs-137 source, which had been destined for transfer to another facility located in England, was mistakenly placed with a scrap consignment for the Irish recycling facility. Corrective measures involved the collection and separation of contaminated furnace dust, and separation of the dust with radioactive levels above 400Bq/kg. Cleanup workers wore protective equipment during all cleanup procedures. Decontamination of the facility was achieved by cleaning the hoppers using mobile vacuum units. Preventive measures included the screening of incoming and outcoming scrap metal shipments and scrap bearing vehicles via large area plastic scintillation detectors in a stationary system. Though personnel exposure was minimal, the authors emphasize the need for surveillance of radioactive material from production to final disposal.
Health Physics, 70(4):568-572, 1996. (4 references)
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