Source: Ronald Bridges, 785-532-5856, ronbrid@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-2535, bbohn@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

RESEARCH REACTOR OPERATING PROCEDURES UNDER REVIEW

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University is reviewing operating procedures with its TRIGA Mark II research reactor. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is also on campus conducting its own inspection.

The reactor has been shut down since Sept. 22 to complete the reviews. These activities stem from a senior reactor operator being exposed to minor amounts of radiation during a routine experiment. There was no health risk due to this incident, according to Ronald Bridges, K-State's radiation safety officer. The radiation exposure to the operator was less than one receives during a typical CT scan.

Bridges said the NRC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment were both notified. Follow-up efforts will include a rewrite of certain procedures, along with other actions as required.

K-State's research reactor supports academic and education programs, research, industrial services and outreach.