A radiographer and two assistants were working at an asphalt plant when a magnetic stand fell from the side of a tank and crushed a section of the guide tube of the radiography camera in use. Several attempts by the radiography crew to retract the source into the radiography camera using the crank were unsuccessful. Additional shielding was applied to the area of the tube containing the stuck source to reduce exposures and allow personnel to get closer to the area. The individuals were able to retract the source back into the camera by cutting the guide tube which allowed enough space to pull the source back through the crimp. Before performing the source retrieval, all three individuals moved their dosimetry to their wrist watches to account for accurate doses to the extremities. The dosimetry badges were sent to Landauer for emergency processing. The badges showed the individuals involved received whole body doses of 63.577 rem (635.77 mSv), 10.439 rem (104.39 mSv), and 2.608 rem (26.08 mSv) to the extremities. The whole-body doses obtained from the direct read dosimeters worn on the chest were 2.519 rem (25.19 mSv), 2.178 rem (21.78 mSv), and 0.798 rem (7.98 mSv). All three individuals involved were removed from radiography operations for the remainder of the calendar year. Corrective actions by the licensee included the modification of procedures and personnel retraining; ensuring that the magnetic stand is rated for the weight placed on it; ensuring the stand surface is free of debris and rust; and applying stress to the stand to determine the breaking point. The highest extremity dose received exceeds the U.S. statutory limit of 50 rem (500 mSv). NRC EN54813
The Pacific News Bulletin (since September 1986) and its predecessor Pacific Bulletin was published for the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) Movement by the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (PCRC), first based in Petersham (Australia) and later at Suva on the Fiji Islands. The NFIP movement grew out of the first regional Nuclear Free Pacific […]
On 29 June 2026, the Urenco Group issued a statement announcing that the UK Government formally requested the company to support its effort "to re-establish a nuclear fuel cycle for reactor fuel for defence purposes." The UK Government announced its intent to re-establish this program in November 2024. This announcement is part of a broader […]
The Netherlands has agreed to allow Urenco to be used for the British military nuclear program. This clears the way for uranium enriched by Urenco to be used in nuclear weapons. With his decision, Foreign Minister Berendsen (CDA Christen Democrats) is departing from the principle that civilian and military nuclear applications must remain strictly separate. […]
Behnam Raeesian is an internationally recognized visual artist and poster designer from Iran, known for bold political and cultural works. Through exhibitions, workshops, jury roles, and collaborations with cultural institutions worldwide, he has built a strong voice in contemporary political graphic design. His projects confront complex issues such as nuclear risk and technological impact, transforming […]
Everywhere you look, the nuclear industry’s hype machine is in overdrive. Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and the UK government all tout small modular reactors as the silver bullet for climate change and energy security. Tech billionaires are hiring nuclear veterans. Wall Street is whispering about “round-the-clock power” for artificial intelligence data centers. For those old enough […]
