The State provided the following information via email:
ABSTRACT: The licensee states the gauge was in use near several construction vehicles [at a work site in Clackamas, Oregon]. The gauge was located behind a nearby pickup truck attached flatbed trailer. The gauge user thought the vehicles were not occupied. A driver in the truck started the vehicle and promptly backed it into the gauge before it could be moved by the operator, resulting in damage to the index rod. No other damage was noted. The licensee says the gauge operator was in proper control of the gauge at the time the truck struck the gauge. Regardless, the licensee will provide training to the operators reminding them of the requirements to maintain proper surveillance and control of gauges while away from the licensed storage locations. An explanation of what occurred in this event was also provided to the operators as lessons learned.
Notification Reporting Criteria: WAC 246-221-250 Notification of Incidents.
Isotope and Activity involved: 8 mCi of Cesium 137, and 40 mCi of Americium 241/Beryllium.
Damaged Troxler 3430, serial number 31153.
Disposition/recovery: The licensee was able to get the source rod back into the shielded position. They had a count rate survey meter and used it to determine that readings were normal. They called the manufacturer's local representative and the RSO for Troxler in North Carolina. The licensee was instructed on how to package the gauge properly. The gauge was taken back to the licensed and secured storage area where additional gauge packaging was used to secure the damaged index rod. They took a wipe test of the gauge. The results came back normal to allow for a normal means of shipping back to Troxler in North Carolina. Shipping is scheduled for January 19, 2004.
Leak test? Leak test analysis - less than 0.005 microcuries.
Release of activity? None found.
Consultant used? Local Troxler representative and Troxler RSO.
Event Report # WA-05-006.
- * * UPDATE ON 01/20/06 * * *
The correct
Washington Event report number is WA-06-006.