Radiological Incidents & Allegations

An incident is an event involving radiological material that may have caused or threatens to cause an individual to receive excessive amounts of radiation exposure or an unintended or uncontrolled release of radioactive materials.

Radiological incidents that require immediate to within 24 hour oral notification to WMRC:

• A stolen, lost, or missing radioactive material which exceeds a specified quantity, a stolen, lost or missing radiation machine (immediately).
• Event involving a source or radiation which has caused or threatens to cause an individual to receive a specified dose or intake of radioactive material (immediately).
• Event involving loss of control of a licensed or registered source of radiation which has caused or threatens to cause an individual to receive a specified dose or intake of radioactive material (within 24 hours).
• Fires, explosions, toxic gas releases, etc. that prevent immediate protective actions to control radiation exposures or releases of radioactive materials (within 4 hours).
• Events involving unplanned contamination, equipment failure, unplanned medical treatment at a medical facility, or damage to a device containing radioactive material (within 24 hours).
• Administration of a radioactive drug or a radiation dose that results in a medical event (24 hours).
• Stuck irradiator source in an unshielded position, damage to source rack, etc (24 hours).
• Event where a sealed radiation source containing radioactive material is known or believed to be ruptured (24 hours).
• A radioactive source has become lodged in a well and recovery efforts will not be successful (24 hours).

All reported incidents are reviewed by DWMRC on a case-by-case basis to determine if there is a risk to human health or the environment and make a recommendation on followup.

An allegation is a declaration, statement, or assertion of failure to observe standards or inadequacy associated with WMRC-regulated activities, the validity of which has not been established. Allegations may cover many different concerns, including potential safety issues and non-conformance with licensee, permit or registration holder requirements.

All Allegations are assessed for safety significance and reviewed by DWMRC to determine the appropriate action.

In the event of an allegation, DWMRC does not disclose the identity of the person submitting the report or other confidential source unless:

1. The person submitting the report has clearly indicated no objection to being identified;
2. Disclosure is necessary to protect public health and safety;
3. Disclosure is necessary pursuant to an Order of a court or to inform Congress, state, or federal agencies;
4. Disclosure is necessary in furtherance of a wrongdoing investigation;
5. Disclosure is necessary to support a hearing on enforcement matter;
6. Disclosure is mandated by the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA); or
7. The person submitting the report or other confidential source, has taken actions that are inconsistent with and override the purpose of protecting his or her identity.