ENS 45364
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
20:50 Sep 18, 2009 | |
| Title | Troxler Moisture Density Gauge Damaged |
| Event Description | A Hillis-Carnes operator was conducting a density test along a portion of the Fairfax County Parkway project on Fort Belvoir property when the gauge was backed over by a pick-up truck. Hillis-Carnes technician was 10-15 feet from the gauge when the incident occurred but could not get the driver's attention in time for him to stop. The gauge (Model No. 3411-B, Serial No. 15826) with 8 mCi of Cs-137 (Serial No. 50-4850) and 40 mCi of Am 241:Be (Serial No. 47-11222) was hit by the under carriage of the vehicle while in the testing mode with the source rod extended to a depth of 8 inches. The depth rod was snapped off the gauge and the source rod remained intact. However, the source rod was slightly bent which prevented the rod from being lifted to the shielded position.
The area was immediately cleared to a minimum distance of 30 feet. Local emergency responders were the first on the scene and surveyed the area. The RSO was not on site at this time but was informed that survey readings were taken, and the levels indicated the sources were not leaking. The responders recommended the area remain cleared until personnel arrived that could address removing the gauge properly. Hillis-Carnes attempted to contact their 24-hour emergency response service without success. The RSO was also informed by the NRC that the emergency contact numbers did not work. Subsequently, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) representative was contacted by Fort Belvoir representatives to come to the site. Upon arrival, USACE surveyed the area. No readings were recorded at 30 feet from the gauge (established safe zone), however a reading of 10mr/hr was obtained at contact with the gauge. The RSO and USACE discussed opinions for temporary packaging of the device. It was determined that the gauge would be placed in a 55 gallon drum, sandwiched in soil. The NRC was contacted on this course of action and it was subsequently approved. The drum was partially filled with soil, then the gauge was lifted from it's test location and immediately embedded into the loose soil with the source rod down the center of the drum. Additional soil was placed over the gauge. Survey readings over the soil in the drum and around the perimeter of drum were 8 mr/hr each. Additionally, the in-place soil was surveyed with 12 to 14 MicroRem obtained at the test location and background noted to be 10 MicroRem. Only individuals with personal monitoring badges were permitted within the 30 foot safety area during the packaging of the gauge. The drum was transported and placed in an on-site storage container and subsequently surveyed again by USACE. Readings at this point were taken at 30 inches from the container and noted to be 2 mr/hr. The storage container is labeled with radiation placards and labeling was added to the drum. The container was locked and the door barricaded with construction equipment. Today [9/19/09], the RSO contacted Northeast Technical Services in Westminster, Maryland. They indicated that they could be on-site today to take care of properly packaging and shipping the gauge. It is to be transported to their facility. The RSO contacted others involved in the on-site activities from last evening and it was determined that the USAG [United States Army Garrison] Fort Belvoir Army Radiation representative has not been involved in the actions to date. Army representative wanted the removal of the gauge to be postponed until midday on Monday, September 21st, until the representative could be involved. Northeast Technical has subsequently been scheduled for midday Monday. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Hillis-Carnes Engineering Assoc Springfield, Virginia (NRC Region 1) | |
| License number: | 19-30304-02 |
| Organization: | Hillis-Carnes Engineering Assoc |
| Reporting | |
| 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2), Licensed Material Protection Equipment Failure | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+-3.78 h-0.158 days <br />-0.0225 weeks <br />-0.00518 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | David Atkins 17:03 Sep 18, 2009 |
| NRC Officer: | John Knoke |
| Last Updated: | Sep 19, 2009 |
| 45364 - NRC Website | |
Hillis-Carnes Engineering Assoc with 10 CFR 30.50(b)(2) | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 453642009-09-18T20:50:00018 September 2009 20:50:00
[Table view]10 CFR 30.50(b)(2) Troxler Moisture Density Gauge Damaged 2009-09-18T20:50:00 | |