The following information was provided by the State of
Texas via email:
On January 20, 2010, the Agency (State of Texas) was notified by the licensee that while performing radiography operations at a field location, a radiography camera containing 29 curies of Iridium 192 fell approximately six feet to a concrete surface. The radiographer attempted to retract the source, but it would not move out of the collimator. The locking device on the camera appeared to be damaged and was restricting movement of the drive cable. The radiographer worked on the locking device and was able to retract the source after a period of about 10 minutes. The front source stop was installed to prevent the source from moving from the shielded position. The maximum dose rate taken on contact of the camera was 32 millirem after the event. The survey done on the camera prior to starting work that day was 19 millirem. The radiographer could not disconnect the drive cable from the source pig-tail due to the damage to the locking device. The camera was transported to the licensee's facility for further action. The licensee contacted the manufacturer and with their assistance, was able to disconnect the drive cable from the source pig tail. The rear dust cover was placed on the camera, and both covers secured in place using tape. The camera will be returned to the manufacturer for inspection and repair.
The total exposure received in this event was less than three millirem. Additional information will be provided as it is received.
Texas Incident #: I - 8813