ENS 45915
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
06:00 May 10, 2010 | |
| Title | Agreement State Report - Stuck Radiography Camera Source |
| Event Description | The following information was obtained from the State of North Dakota via email:
T&K Inspections, Inc., reported the inability to retract a 3.55 TBq (96 Ci ) Ir-192 radiography source into the exposure device (Source Production & Equipment Company Model SPEC 150, serial number 295) on May 10, 2010. Operations were being performed approximately 2 miles south of Highway 2, on 94th street, south of Ross, ND about 9:00 am CDT. After completing the exposure, the radiographer and assistant radiographer performed the routine procedure to retract the source into the camera. The survey meter registered no activity above background, so they believed the source had retracted. As the radiographer approached the camera, the survey meter registered off-scale. He immediately stepped away from the camera and attempted to check the cable and retract the source. At this time, his pocket dosimeter registered 3mR/hr. With the survey meter continuing to register activity, the President and assistant RSO of T&K Inspections, Inc. was contacted. He suggested working with the crank and they were able to retract the source into the camera. The camera was located near the vehicle. As the radiography crew placed the camera onto the end gate of the truck, the survey meter and his pocket dosimeter were off-scale. They immediately moved away from the camera and called the assistant RSO again. The cables were still connected to the camera, so the assistant RSO had the radiographer straighten the cable and try to retract the source. The source was successfully retracted into the camera housing. The camera was secured in the vehicle and the crew returned to the shop. Prior to this incident, T&K Inspections, Inc. believed they had trouble with the lock mechanism on this camera. April 28, 2010, the camera was sent to SPEC for inspection and maintenance. Maintenance and inspection was performed on the camera May 3, 2010. SPEC replaced parts of the camera and returned it to T&K Inspection with a certification document. The camera was placed back into service and has been used prior to the incident. T&K Inspections, Inc. believes when the camera was returned to the vehicle the lock mechanism was not functioning properly. The assistant RSO has sent the film badges overnight delivery to be evaluated. The radiographer and assistant radiographer will not perform radiography until return of the dosimetry reports. The assistant RSO will follow-up with a report of the incident, copy of the camera certification, copy of the film badge reports and any other pertinent information as needed. The camera has been taken out of service and will be returned to SPEC. It will be determined if the camera or parts will be replaced. Camera source information: "Ir-192 SPEC G-60 Source, S/N RE0304, 96 Ci State Action: 1. The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) will maintain contact with T&K Inspections, Inc. to determine the root cause of the incident. 2. The NDDOH will receive a copy of the dosimetry reports and a copy of the certificate from SPEC from the camera maintenance and inspection that was performed prior to the incident. 3. The NDDOH will follow-up with the camera inspection that will be performed at this time.
The radiographer and assistant radiographer received 1181 mRem and 756 mRem respectively. Notified FSME (James Danna) and R4DO (Vivian Campbell)
The radiography camera was inspected in the field and the problem was replicated. The camera has been taken out of service, returned to the manufacturer for disposal, and replaced with a different camera. A calculation of the dose to the radiographer's hand estimated the dose at 12.3 REM. Analysis of the problem by the licensee revealed that procedures were not followed and the problem could have been prevented. The licensee is reviewing procedures with all personnel. Notified R4DO (Shannon) and FSME (McIntosh) |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| T & K Inspections Inc. Williston, North Dakota (NRC Region 4) | |
| License number: | ND33-22313-01 |
| Organization: | North Dakota Department Of Health |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+30.25 h1.26 days <br />0.18 weeks <br />0.0414 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Louise Roehrich 12:15 May 11, 2010 |
| NRC Officer: | Pete Snyder |
| Last Updated: | May 24, 2010 |
| 45915 - NRC Website | |
T & K Inspections Inc. with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 459152010-05-10T06:00:00010 May 2010 06:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State Agreement State Report - Stuck Radiography Camera Source 2010-05-10T06:00:00 | |