LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE SOURCE IN GAMMA RADIOGRAPHY Loss of control of the source (“source jamming”) is one of the main causes of incidents in this area of gamma radiography. 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: ■ The radioactive source remains jammed in its guide tube. The cause of the blockage is often the presence of foreign bodies in the tube, or deterioration of the tube itself. ■ The front of the projector is not fully blanked due to either the presence of foreign bodies in the channel preventing full retraction of the source, or breaking of the plug. 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 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 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 leading to the reporting of significant industrial radiography events to ASN over the 2020-2022 period 9 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Loss of source control Cordoning off Damage to the projector Abnormal exposure of workers Others ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2022 255 08 • 08 • Sources of ionising radiation and their industrial, veterinary and research applications 01 07 13 AP 04 10 06 12 14 03 09 05 11 02
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