On March 11 2006, a worker at Streigenics, a medical sterilization plant in Fleurus, was exposed to a large dose of gamma radiation. The incident, rated a 4 (accident with local consequences) on the INES scale, was reported to the company on March 30 2006, following a medical visit by the worker. [1]
Cause of the accident
editThe accident was caused by the failure of an hydraulic actuator that controlled the position of the Co-60 source used for sterilization. [2] During maintenance, the source was stowed in a pool of water to protect workers. However, when the worker entered the room, the source was only partially submerged, leading to radiation exposure.