LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE SOURCE IN GAMMA RADIOGRAPHY Gamma radiography is a non-destructive testing technique consisting in positioning a radioactive source close to the element to be inspected, in order to obtain a radiographic image which can subsequently be used to check the quality of the part. Loss of control of the sources is one of the main causes of incidents in this area. It can lead to significant exposure of the workers situated nearby, or even of the public when working in urban areas. This loss of control is primarily encountered in two situations: ཛྷ The radioactive source remains jammed in its guide tube. Jamming is often caused by foreign bodies in the tube or deterioration of the tube. ཛྷ The source-holder containing the radionuclide is no longer connected to the remote control cable. The cable joining the source and the remote control is not correctly connected and the source can no longer be moved. In France, gamma radiography projectors comply with technical specifications that are stricter than the international ISO standards. However, equipment failures can never be ruled out, especially in the event of poor upkeep of the equipment. In the last few years, incorrect manipulations have also been observed further to source jamming incidents. GRAPH Trend in the number of industrial radiography events reported to ASN 8 0 5 10 15 20 25 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 In BNIs Outside BNIs Note: the 24 events of 2018 and the 26 events of 2019 led to 25 and 27 notifications to ASN respectively. In both cases, one event was reported twice by both the ordering customer and the industrial radiography contractor. GRAPH Main factors contributing to industrial radiography events reported to ASN over the 2019-2021 period 9 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Loss of source control Cordoning off Damage to the projector Abnormal exposure of workers Miscellaneous ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2021 251 08 – SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL, VETERINARY AND RESEARCH APPLICATIONS 08 07 13 04 10 06 12 14 03 09 05 11 02 AP 01
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQ0NzU=