Program enhancements resulting from the off-site contamination event

This paper provides information relating to an offsite contamination event at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and describes some of the general program enhancements resulting both directly and indirectly from that incident. Workers not routinely assigned to the facility, but certified to operate the facility, received contamination on their skin, and on company issued clothing. The contamination was carried to other areas of the building into non-radiological areas and eventually contaminated a few items of personal clothing, although the levels were below allowable release limits. Underlying causes of the contamination included personnel who performed the required frisking upon exit from the radiological area, but did not recognize or acknowledge the alarm monitor while frisking. In general, the workers had a poor understanding of radiological controls and their application. Worker attitude was no appropriate and inadequate training was also a contributing factor, related to worker attitudes. Immediately following the incident numerous compensatory measures took place