 INES 2 |
External contamination of a worker beyond the annual statutory limit to the skin |
On 12 June 2025, the operator of the Cattenom nuclear power plant reported a significant radiation protection event concerning the exceeding of an annual individual dose limit by an EDF contractor.
On 9 June 2025, this contractor was installing lead matting in reactor building 3, which was shut down for partial inspection. During the check carried out at the exit of the controlled area, skin contamination was detected on the contractor's cheek. The worker was immediately taken into care and the radioactive particle causing the contamination was removed.
The occupational physician assessed the dose received, taking into account the worker's activities within the reactor building. This assessment showed that the dose received by the worker's cheek exceeded the regulatory limit for the equivalent skin dose (500 mSv).
As soon as the contamination was discovered, the operator took action to identify its source. However, radiological checks carried out in the premises where the agent was present did not reveal any particular anomalies.
The ASNR carried out an on-site inspection on 13 June 2025, during which contamination checks were carried out on the premises, with negative results, and verification that EDF had taken all necessary measures to manage the event adequately and to analyse its causes.
Event date: Mon, 09-06-2025
