 INES 2 |
Overexposure of a worker |
The worker concerned carries out climatic control and energy maintenance services on the sites of customers of Eiffage Energie Systeme. Some of these sites perform nuclear activities that can expose the workers (internal or external) to ionising radiation.
As a prevention measure, this worker was subject to individual dosimetric monitoring.
The individual dosimetry results indicated that the worker apparently received an effective dose of 156 millisieverts (mSv) between October 2018 and January 2019. As a "non-classified" worker, by virtue of the regulations this person was not authorized to receive an annual dose exceeding 1 mSv. The effective dose measured is to be compared with the regulatory annual exposure limit for "classified" workers which is set by the Labour Code at 20 mSv. Such a dose is not likely to cause an immediate health effect (burn, necrosis, cataract, etc.); it can however, should it be confirmed, lead to a slight probability of increase in the risk of cancer in the long term.
Eiffage Energie Systeme conducted initial investigations into this event, but to date these investigations have not identified the origin of the overexposure. It is possible that the recorded dose is due to incorrect use of the dosimeter and does not correspond to the actual exposure of the worker. The company has nevertheless highlighted malfunctions in the management of the dosimetry devices and in the analysis of results, as well as a lack of radiation protection culture.
ASN has conducted an inspection into this event to check the investigative measures and the actions taken by Eiffage Énergie Système.
Doses have been validated by the labor doctor.
Event date: Wed, 24-04-2019
