RSS feed source: International Atomic Energy Association--Nuclear & Radiological Events

Worker Exposure Caused by a Radiation-Generating Device

Print View Posted on: 29 December 2025

Event Date: 19 November 2024 Event Type: Radiation Source Event Location: Korea, Republic of, Hwaseong-si INES Rating: 3 (Final)

In November 2024, a worker was exposed to radiation during the inspection of an X-ray device used for foreign object detection in manufactured products at a facility that produces and sells such devices. The worker was conducting performance improvement work on the device (80kV, 1.25mA) and, without turning off the power, inserted his hands into the machine to disassemble and reassemble the collimator, while X-rays were being continuously emitted.
Since the device was still in the production phase, radiation warning lamp had not yet been properly installed. The worker continued the task without being aware that radiation was being emitted.
Subsequently, localized radiation effects such as erythema and pain appeared on the worker’s hand. According to the dose assessment, the equivalent dose to the skin on the worker’s hand was estimated to exceed 2,000 mSv, surpassing the annual dose limit.

INES Rating: 3 – Serious incident (Final) as per 18 June 2025

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RSS feed source: International Atomic Energy Association--Nuclear & Radiological Events

Worker Exposure Caused by a Radiation-Generating Device

Print View Posted on: 29 December 2025

Event Date: 27 May 2024 Event Type: Radiation Source Event Location: Korea, Republic of, Yongin-si INES Rating: 3 (Final)

In May 2024, two workers at a semiconductor manufacturing company were exposed to radiation while inspecting an X-ray generator(60 kV, 100 mA) used for wafer thickness analysis.
The workers were unaware that X-rays were being emitted and, in the process of identifying an malfunction of the device, they removed some components and inserted their hands into the machine to take photographs, during which they were exposed to radiation.
The X-ray generator was a cabinet-type device equipped with an interlock system and warning lamp. However, due to a malfunction of the interlock system, radiation continued to be emitted despite the device being disassembled. Additionally, the warning lamp was too dim, making it difficult for the workers to recognize that radiation was being emitted.
Both individuals exhibited non-lethal radiation injuries-including erythema, pain, and blistering of the hands. According to the dose assessment results, the equivalent skin doses by both workers exceeded the annual dose limit.

INES Rating: 3

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