Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Regulatory Action
Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and associated regulations, various levels of regulatory action can be taken by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment.2010
July 29, 2010 - Notice to Licensees
The CNSC would like to remind all licensees authorized to possess Am-241/Be and Cf-252 neutron sources that they have the legal obligation to make adequate provisions for the security and dose control of these source types. This bulletin is being issued as a result of a recent inspection performed by the CNSC, during which Am-241/Be sources were found to be inappropriately stored, resulting in a neutron dose rate above the prescribed limit in a publicly accessible area.
Every licensee whose licence authorizes the possession of such Am-241/Be or Cf-252 sources is required to implement a radiation protection program that will control occupational and public exposure to a level that is as low as reasonably achievable, and to restrict access to such sources.
If you have any questions regarding this notification, please contact any of our regional offices:
Telephone Fax Western
Regional Office403-292-5181 403-292-6985 Southern Ontario
Regional Office905-821-9366 905-821-3566 Central
Regional Office1-888-229-2672 613-995-5086 Eastern
Regional Office450-973-5766 450-973-5779 July 12, 2010 - Update : Potential Alpha Exposure of Workers - CNSC Request to all CANDU licensees
The CNSC has received responses from AECL and Ontario Power Generation regarding the requests for action pursuant to sub-section 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations issued on June 22, 2010.
CNSC staff finds the proposed plans for completion of requested actions acceptable.
Read the July 12, 2010 CNSC Information Update for more details.
July 9, 2010 - Update : Potential Alpha Exposure of Workers - CNSC Request to all CANDU licensees
The CNSC has received responses from Bruce Power, Hydro-Quebec, New Brunswick Power and Ontario Power Generation regarding the requests for action pursuant to sub-section 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations issued on June 18 and 21, 2010.
CNSC staff finds the proposed plans for completion of requested actions acceptable.
Read the July 9, 2010 CNSC Information Update for more details.
July 9, 2010 -Upcoming decertification of a GammaMat M10 exposure device
The CNSC has issued a decision to decertify the GammaMat M10 exposure device on November 27, 2010. The exposure device, manufactured by MDS Nordion, is used in industrial radiography and is covered under certificate number R-434-0006.
The decision to decertify is based on a request made to the CNSC by MDS Nordion, and is a result of MDS Nordion not sufficiently demonstrating that the radiation device meets current applicable exposure devices standards.
The GammaMat M10 will remain decertified until the CNSC completes its review of the new application for re-certification submitted by MDS Nordion, and is satisfied that the proper requirements for exposure devices are met.
Licensees can continue to use the exposure device up until November 27, 2010.
Read the decision document (PDF).
July 5, 2010 - Update to regulatory action issued on June 18, 2010 to Saskatchewan Research Council regarding the proposed Gunnar Rehabilitation Project
July 7, 2010: Transcript of the July 5 public hearing regarding Saskatchewan Research Council: Opportunity to be heard (PDF)
Saskatchewan Research Council: Opportunity to be heard today on the Designated Officer Order issued on June 18, 2010 (PDF)
June 22, 2010 – Potential Alpha Exposure of Workers: CNSC Request to all CANDU licensees pursuant to Subsection 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations.
Preliminary information received by the CNSC suggests that there is the potential for workers conducting fuel handling and maintenance activities, and possibly other workers, to be exposed to alpha radiation.
Given the potential for exposure of workers, the CNSC announced on June 24 that a request for action was issued pursuant to sub-section 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations requiring specific actions to be taken by all other licensees who handle irradiated fuel. This includes AECL's Chalk River Laboratories, Douglas Point, Whiteshell Laboratories, Nuclear Power Demonstration and Gentilly-1 facilities as well as Ontario Power Generation's Pickering, Darlington and Western Waste Management Facilities and is in addition to the request for action announced June 21 for all CANDU licensees.
Read the letters:
June 21, 2010 – Potential Alpha Exposure of Workers: CNSC Request to all CANDU licensees pursuant to Subsection 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations.
Preliminary information received by the CNSC suggests that there is the potential for workers conducting fuel handling and maintenance activities, and possibly other workers, to be exposed to alpha radiation.
Given the potential for exposure of workers, the CNSC has issued a request for action pursuant to sub-section 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations requiring specific actions to be taken by all CANDU reactor licensees.
Read the letters:
June 18, 2010 – Order to Saskatchewan Research Council regarding the proposed Gunnar Rehabilitation Project
On June 21, 2010, the CNSC announced that an order was issued on June 18, 2010 to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The order required SRC to immediately:
- conduct an assessment of the occupational health and safety risks of all buildings and structures;
- secure the site; and
- remove all buildings and structures at the Gunnar mine site that pose a physical risk to the health and safety to the public.
The order was issued based the results of an inspection conducted on June 8, 2010, which confirmed the continued deterioration of the former Gunnar site and the potential risk to persons accessing the site without authorization. The Gunnar mine site is located south of Uranium City, in northern Saskatchewan. The order will be closed when the above is completed and approved by the CNSC.
Read the order (PDF)
June 18, 2010 – Potential Alpha Exposure of Workers: CNSC Request pursuant to Subsection 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations
Following analysis of the discovery of alpha contamination on the Bruce Restart Project, Bruce Power determined that some historical uptakes of alpha may have occurred in operating units involved in fuel handling.
Given the potential alpha exposure of workers, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has issued a request for corrective action pursuant to sub-section 12(2) of the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations for Bruce Power to take specific actions.
Read the letter (PDF)
Related links
- CNSC Information Update: Bruce A Unit 1 Alpha Contamination (March 2010)
- CNSC Information Update: Bruce A Unit 1 Alpha Contamination (February 2010)
- CNSC Information Update: Bruce A Unit 1 Alpha Contamination (January 2010)
June 11, 2010 – Update to regulatory action issued on June 1, 2010 to Elekta Inc. and Southlake Regional Health Centre
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) confirms that as of June 09, 2010, Elekta Inc., a manufacturer of medical linear accelerators based in Norcross, Georgia, USA, and the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario, have complied with all the terms and conditions of the orders issued to them by CNSC inspectors. The orders were issued on June 01, 2010, in relation to the Elekta Infinity brand linear accelerator, which had not been certified by the CNSC.
The CNSC has issued a Class II Prescribed Equipment Certificate for the Elekta Infinity accelerator, and amended the licence issued to Elekta Inc. to permit servicing on the newly-certified accelerator. The CNSC has also amended the licences issued to the Southlake Regional Health Centre, to authorize the operation and servicing of the newly certified Elekta Infinity accelerator at this facility.
June 10, 2010 – Order to C. T. Soil & Materials Testing Inc.
On June 17, 2010, the CNSC announced that an order was issued on June 10, 2010, to C.T. Soil & Materials Testing Inc., of Windsor Ontario, a geotechnical engineering and geo-environmental assessment and construction materials testing company.
The order required the Company to cease the use of radiation devices licensed by the CNSC, and to immediately put the equipment into storage. The Company must demonstrate that adequate management control over work practices has been established, and that acceptable training has been provided to their staff, so that the licensed radiation devices can be used safely and in compliance with Regulatory requirements. The order was issued as a result of two inspections, conducted at a field location on June 10, and at the offices of the Company on June 11, 2010.
Read the order (PDF)
June 1, 2010 - Decertification of an Exposure Device Operator – Mr. Jimmy St-Laurent
On June 1, 2010, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) decertified Mr. Jimmy St-Laurent, of Vanier, Quebec, as a Certified Exposure Device Operator.
The decision to decertify Mr. St-Laurent stems from a recommendation made by the Operations Inspection Division of the CNSC on March 3, 2010, as a result of an investigation conducted in response to an incident that took place on December 17, 2009.
Mr. St-Laurent did not use a survey meter to ensure the source was safely retracted following exposures, and failed to wear the proper dosimeters while operating the exposure device.
Mr. St-Laurent is required to immediately return his Certified Exposure Device Operator card to the CNSC.
June 1, 2010 - Order to Southlake Regional Health Centre
On June 01, 2010 the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued an order to the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. The Order required the Southlake Regional Health Centre to submit a complete licence application for the operation of the Elekta Infinity model medical linear accelerator by June 04, 2010. Further, the Order required the Southlake Regional Health Centre to provide to the CNSC evidence to demonstrate that the operation of the Elekta Infinity does not pose a risk to the workers at the Centre or to patients undergoing treatment with the Elekta Infinity accelerators. In addition, the Order required the Southlake Regional Health Centre to assume all liabilities with respect to the use of the Elekta Infinity.
The order will be closed when the above information is submitted and approved by the CNSC and the Elekta Infinity linear accelerator is certified by the CNSC.
Read the order (PDF)
June 1, 2010 - Order to Elekta Inc.
On June 01, 2010, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued an order to Elekta Inc., a manufacturer of medical linear accelerators based in Norcross, Georgia, USA. The order requires that Elekta immediately suspend sales and services in Canada, of the Elekta Infinity brand linear accelerator and submit to the CNSC by June 2, 2010, an application for the certification of the Elekta Infinity model accelerator. Further, the order requires that Elekta limit its servicing activities related the Elekta Infinity linear accelerator to those interventions that, if not carried out, could compromise the health and safety of patients or operators.
Read the order (PDF)
May 27, 2010 – Order to Canada Engineering Services Inc.
On May 27, 2010, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to Canada Engineering Services Inc. of Toronto, a geotechnical and environmental materials consulting company.
The order required the Company to cease the use of radiation devices licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and to immediately put the equipment into storage. The Company must be able to demonstrate that an acceptable radiation safety program has been implemented, and that workers using the radiation devices are adequately trained. The order was issued as a result of an inspection conducted on May 27, 2010, at the offices of the Company.
Read the order (PDF)
May 10, 2010 - Order to SPL Consultants Limited
On May 10, 2010, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to SPL Consultants Limited of Vaughan, Ontario, a geotechnical and environmental materials consulting company.
The order required the Company to cease the use of radiation devices licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and to immediately put the equipment into storage. The Company must demonstrate that adequate training has been provided to their staff, so that the radiation devices can be used safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The order was issued as a result of an inspection conducted on May 10, 2010, at the offices of the Company.
SPL Consultants Limited has since complied with the order.
Read the order (PDF)
May 6, 2010 – Decertification of an Exposure Device Operator – Mr. Cody Hankinson
On May 4, 2010, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) decertified Mr. Cody Hankinson of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, as a Certified Exposure Device Operator.
The decision to decertify Mr. Hankinson stems from a recommendation made by the CNSC’s Operations Inspection Division on February 9, 2010, as a result of a compliance inspection that took place on January 13, 2010.
Mr. Hankinson did not use a survey meter to ensure the source was safely retracted following exposures, he knowingly made a false verbal statement to a CNSC inspector, and he did not post barriers and warning signs as required.
Mr. Hankinson is required to return his Certified Exposure Device Operator card to the CNSC immediately.
January 29, 2010 – Order to Nomad Inspection Services Ltd.
On January 29, 2010 the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to Nomad Inspection Services Ltd., a non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection firm based in Alberta. The order required the removal of a certified exposure device operator (CEDO) from all radiography operations using an exposure device until Nomad Inspection Services Inc. can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the CNSC, that this operator will no longer present a risk to the health and safety of persons.
The order was issued as a result of the CEDO conducting radiography operations south of Dawson Creek, BC without the use of a radiation survey meter.Nomad Inspection Services Ltd. has since complied with the order.
Read the order (PDF)
January 13, 2010 – Order to Acuren Group Inc.
On January 13, 2010 the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to Acuren Group Inc., a nondestructive testing (NDT) inspection and materials engineering firm in Alberta. The order required the removal of two certified exposure device operators (CEDOs) from all radiography operations using an exposure device until Acuren can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the CNSC, that these operators will no longer present a risk to the health and safety of persons.
The order was issued as a result of the CEDOs conducting radiography operations in Fort McMurray without the use of a radiation survey meter, without sufficient safety barriers and warning signs, as well as missing required documentation.
Acuren Group Inc. has since complied with the order.
Read the order (PDF)
2009
November 30, 2009 - CNSC Announces Decision to Replace the Order issued to Viterra Inc. (formerly Western Cooperative Fertilizers Limited (WESTCO))
In November 2007, an enforcement order was issued to Western Cooperative Fertilizers Limited (WESTCO), which required the company to take actions and measures to protect the environment and the health and safety of persons in relation to a site in Calgary, Alberta. The order was issued to WESTCO, as owner of the property, when the company took possession of a building and lands that housed nuclear substances and that had previously been under the control of ESI Resources Limited, a former CNSC licensee.
Since 2007, the Commission Tribunal has twice amended the order issued to Viterra Inc. (formerly WESTCO):
November 3, 2009 – Shut-down of Licensed Activities by Mark Anthony Group Inc.
As a result of a compliance inspection conducted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on November 3, 2009, the Mark Anthony Group Inc., located in Delta B.C., has voluntarily ceased all licensed activities associated with the fixed nuclear gauges authorized under CNSC licence number 14187-1-13.0.
The regulatory non-compliances identified during the inspection of November 3, 2009 were significant enough to warrant a commitment from Mark Anthony Group Inc. that the nuclear devices would not be put into operation until all the non-compliances have satisfactorily been corrected.
The locking out of the nuclear devices in the facility does not pose any immediate risk to the workers, the public or to the environment.
October 26, 2009 - Order to Campo Verde Contracting Ltd.
On October 26, 2009, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to Campo Verde Contracting Ltd. of Vanderhoof, British Columbia in accordance with section 35 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
The order requires Campo Verde Contracting Ltd. to place in storage all their portable nuclear gauges that the Company is authorized to possess under CNSC licence 13223-1-11.0. Four specific actions that need to be taken to comply with the order have been cited by the Commission.
The current placement of the portable nuclear gauges in storage does not pose any immediate risk to the public or the environment.
Read the order (PDF)
September 21, 2009 - Order to Sun Wave Forest Products Ltd.
On September 21, 2009, an inspector of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to Sun Wave Forest Products Ltd. of Richmond, British Columbia in accordance with section 35 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Company, a Canadian subsidiary of the China Paper Group Corporation is the owner of the Prince Rupert Pulp Mill, situated on Watson Island approximately 770 km north of Vancouver.
The order requires Sun Wave Forest Products Ltd. to remove and dispose of 37 radiation devices that the Company was authorized to possess under licence 14107-1-09.0 issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The facility is currently in a care and maintenance condition and the gauges pose no immediate risk to the public or the environment.
Read the order (PDF)
September 4, 2009 - Decertification of an Exposure Device Operator – Mr. Clay Anderson
On September 4, 2009, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) decertified Mr. Clay Anderson formerly of Edson, Alberta as a qualified Exposure Device Operator.
The decision to decertify Mr. Anderson stems from a recommendation made by the Operations Inspection Division of the CNSC on March 19, 2009 as a result of an incident that took place on December 17, 2008.
Mr. Anderson operated an exposure device knowing that his alarming dosimeter was not functioning. Furthermore, after completing his work with the radiation device, he failed to use a survey meter to check and verify that the radiation source was in the shielded position as required by CNSC regulation. He was alerted of this by a co-worker who had a survey meter that detected that the radiation source was not in the proper shielding position.
Mr. Anderson has been required to immediately return his Qualified Operator card to the CNSC.
August 31, 2009 - Order to Canadian Sub-Surface Energy Services Incorporated
On August 31, 2009, a designated officer of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission issued an order to Canadian Sub-Surface Energy Services Incorporated of Calgary, Alberta in accordance with section 35 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Company provides services to the oil and gas industry across Western Canada. The order requires Canadian Sub-Surface Energy Services Incorporated to cease the use of all use of nuclear substances that the Company is authorized to possess.
March 6, 2009 - Order to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Mackenzie pulp mill in BC
On March 6, 2009, the Commission ordered PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to transfer the nuclear substances and prescribed equipment (fixed gauges) in its possession at the Mackenzie pulp mill to another qualified CNSC licensee.
2008
October 2008 - Requests for Information to Cameco
In October 2008, CNSC staff sent two Requests for Information to Cameco asking them to provide the CNSC with a characterization of the current effluent discharge and a review of its effluent treatment and pipeline design for the Welcome Waste and Port Granby Waste Management Facilities. In addition, CNSC called for a detailed evaluation of the level of risk to human health and the environment.
2007
June 28, 2007 - CNSC Announces Decision to Suspend Licences and Replace the Order issued to 588972 Alberta Ltd. and Operated as Enviropac
Following a proceeding held on December 14, 2006 and February 7, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to suspend in whole the storage, processing and calibration licences issued to Enviropac and to replace the Designated Officer Order issued on September 15, 2006 and confirmed in part by the Commission on December 14, 2006. Enviropac is located in Edmonton, Alberta.