Laboratory warned over radioactive substances

2:03am Friday 16th May 2008

A MEDICAL laboratory has been warned for failing to meet regulations over its handling of radioactive substances.

The Environment Agency has ordered Gordon Laboratory Group to improve procedures at its plant in Sedgefield, County Durham, within two months or face prosecution.

A routine visit to the medical testing company found it had failed to comply with a number of conditions in operating permits it has held since 1999.

An inspector discovered that the company did not have adequate arrangements to prevent and detect radioactive contamination and did not report information to the Environment Agency about releases into the environment.

It had also failed to train staff adequately and appoint suitably qualified and experienced supervisors.

The complaints relate to Iodine-125, which is used in medical diagnostic and analytical work, though inspectors do not believe there has been any leak of radioactivity.

Inspector Stuart Page said the agency identified issues of poor management two years ago and gave the company time to rectify the matter. He said that on a recent inspection, it was clear that little had been done.

Mr Page said: "While there is no indication that any environmental harm has resulted from the failings that have been identified, the company is clearly falling well short of the high standards that we expect to see used where radio- active substances are concerned."

The company's chief executive, Chris Gordon, last night said there had been no risk to staff, the public or the environment and insisted the company acted immediately to rectify the situation.

He said: "The level of radio isotopes we use are minimal. You would get more from a wristwatch than we use.

"We have to keep very good records of how much we buy, use and its disposal, and the regulatory visit showed our documentation needed tightening up.

"We have already done that and I am satisfied that when they return, we will have met the regulations."

He said all waste disposal from the site was carried out by approved contractors.

Gordon Laboratory Group employs about 50 people in the UK, 30 at the site in Salters Lane, Sedgefield, and has laboratories in the Middle East.

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