On May 15, 1997 increased radiation levels have been discovered by routine control measurements on a scrap yard of a metal foundry at Hettstedt, Sachsen-Anhalt. A radiation source containing about 200 GBq Cs-137 has been found. The cylindrical source remained undamaged. Surface radiation dose rate is approx. 2.5 Sv per hour. No cesium contamination was detected. The source has been fabricated by CIS BIO International, France and was part of a scrap loading transported by a Dutch transport company from Hamburg. An examination of potential radiation exposure of persons at the scrap yard and during transportation is underway. The French and Dutch authorities are informed. The rating is based on chapter IV-5.1.2 of the user's manual, discovery of a radiation source. INES level 2 is appropriate due to the strength of the source.
Location: METAL FOUNDRY, HETTSTEDT Event date: Thu, 15-05-1997
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