The following event was provided by the State of
Texas Health Services Radiation Branch via facsimile:
On September 6, 2011, the [State of Texas Radiation Branch] was notified by the licensee that while using a Spec 150 radiography camera (serial number 1154, containing a 47.2 Curie Iridium -192 source), the source disconnected from the drive cable. The licensee's Radiation Safety Officer stated the radiographer was starting to crank the source out for the eighth shoot of the day when he noted that the guide tube had come loose from the camera and that the drive cable had began to spool in front of the camera. The radiographer attempted to return the source to the locked position in the camera, but it would not lock. The radiographer went to investigate at the front of the camera and saw the source lying on the ground in front of the camera. The radiographer contacted the RSO and a source recovery team went to the location. Lead shot was placed over the source to reduce the area dose rates. The source recovery team was able to reconnect the source to the drive cable and return the source into the camera and lock it in place. The licensee has returned the camera to its storage location and will conduct a leak test of the source and inspect the guide tube and crank-outs. The RSO stated that it appears that the quick disconnect on the camera failed. No significant exposure was received by the source recovery team or any member of the general public. Additional information will be supplied as it is received in accordance with SA-300.
Texas Report Number I-8882