Laka Foundation
INES-event
INES 3

Overexposure to a Radiographer Trainee's Extremities

UPDATE 6/1/2012: The State of Texas attempted to question the individuals and obtain their testimony to better understand the circumstances of the event, but was unable to do so. The final dose assigned to the radiographer trainee by the licensee was 27 Sv (2703 rem) to the extremities for the year 2011.

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ORIGINAL 9/23/2011: Preliminary information indicates that a radiographer trainee received an extremity exposure to the fingers, as result of removing a radiography camera guide tube with the source still in it and touching the source. The trainee’s fingers indicate observable deterministic effects, which include blistering of the thumb, index and middle fingers. These types of effects correspond to an exposure range of 20 to 30 Sv (2000 to 3000 rem) to the extremities. The trainee is receiving medical care at an area hospital. The trainee’s whole body dosimeter was processed immediately and the dose result indicates 14 mSv (1.4 rem). The State of Texas has initiated an investigation to gather additional details of the event and to determine the estimated dose to the extremities. These are all the known details at this time.

Location: Lavaca, Texas
Event date: Mon, 12-09-2011
▸ Nuclear event report
▸ Legenda & explanation