Dear Licensee,

Please find the attached U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Information Notice 2012-23, “Recent Radiography Events Resulting in Exposures Exceeding Regulatory Limits, dated December 26, 2012 (ML 12277A235). The Agency would like to remind licensees of the importance of the safety requirements associated with the use of radiography equipment. Because of the high potential doses associated with industrial radiography, licensees should always have calibrated, functioning survey instruments and alarming rate meters that are used when approaching the radiography camera and guide tube following an exposure to ensure the source has been returned and locked in the shielded position. Failure to use functioning instruments and alarming rate meters can result in very serious injury to individuals exposed to unshielded sources in a very short amount of time (e.g., less than one minute exposure). Proper safety procedures of posting use areas and controlling access to radioactive material in use and proper maintenance of equipment is also of utmost importance when performing industrial radiography.

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have any questions, please contact our office at (217) 785-9947.