Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 85-111-1770, Feed Materials Production Center, Fernald, Ohio

摘要

In response to a request by the Director of Health, State of Ohio, a hazard evaluation was made at the Feed Materials Production Center (SIC-2819), Fernald, Ohio to explore possible worker exposure to uranium (7440611) (U) releases. During an accident, approximately 270 to 370 pounds of uranium-oxide (19525156) had been released. All potentially exposed workers underwent an assay by a whole body counting system to determine the body content of uranium. All workers had a lung burden of uranium less than the maximum permissible level. Four workers were also examined by an in-vivo monitoring system to verify the results obtained with the other method. The values for U-235 (15117961) found by the in-vivo method were higher by a factor of 2 to 20 over those reported by the whole body counting system. The authors conclude that the uranium releases did not result in excessive body uranium content. The authors recommend that the Center use a permanent in-vivo assay facility for frequent, accurate monitoring of possible worker exposures to radionuclides. Lung counting should be performed semiannually for a period of several years. More radiation safety measures should be taught to the employees. A reevaluation should be made of the need for respiratory protection for machinists who machine uranium ingots.