The following information was received from the State of
Mississippi via Email:
On 03-23-2009, Licensee's radiographic crew were unable to return the source [Source Model 424-9; SN 51178B; IR-192; 51.3 Ci] to the shielded and safe position while performing NDT radiography (RT) profile inspection at the Chevron Refinery [located in Pascagoula, MS] using a Sentinal Delta 880 radiography camera (D-2549), QSA cranks, and a QSA source tube. The radiography crew increased their barrier, notified the RSO and field operator of the situation. The two technicians maintained the security of their barrier while awaiting arrival of the RSO.
Acuren's RSO notified the site manager, supervisor, assistant RSO, Chevron's RSO, and a Chevron company representative. Once a meeting was held to devise a plan for source retraction the source was retracted within one (1) hour. Dose received [by the RSO and the associate RSO] during the retraction of the source was 90 mR and 25 mR, respectively. The [two technician] radiography crew received a dose of 45 mR and 65 mR, respectively. There were not any non-occupational or over-exposures received.
Licensee concluded that during the course of the source retraction and investigation, it was determined that the source tube had a crimp in it. The positioning of the source tube during radiographic operations could have been the cause of the hang up, but all equipment was shipped to QSA-Global Inspection to determine if equipment failure contributed to the incident.
Licensee stated inspection report from QSA-Global Inspection will be reviewed and sent to DRH [Mississippi Division of Radiological Health]. Licensee has implemented safety meetings and additional training before the crew involved can resume radiographic operations, to cover proper equipment use, inspection, safety notification processes, proper inspection techniques, and equipment limitations.
DRH received written report from licensee on 04-01-2009. DRH called licensee on 04-01-2009 to verify source activity and ask about licensee's investigation. DRH also requested 24 hr telephone notification from the licensee in the future.
MS report number - MS-784-01.