The following information was provided by the
Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection via e-mail:
Licensee experienced a source disconnect with an industrial radiography camera. The radiographers were working at a temporary job site and attempted to retrieve source after completing the first exposure of the workday. Source would not retrieve and a source disconnect was suspected, with the source remaining at the exposure end of the guide tube. The source position was verified by on-site radiation surveys. The guide tube (containing the source at the far end) was disconnected from the camera and moved to an isolated location at the client site. The radiographers established appropriate barriers and entry controls for the temporary area and maintained constant surveillance until licensee's source retrieval personnel arrived. Retrieval personnel were able to reconnect the source using a special tool and the source was able to be retracted back into the camera. The camera and all associated equipment were sent to the manufacturer for evaluation. Cause of the problem was determined to be a worn connecting collar around the plug assembly and failure to follow a source connect procedure recommended by the manufacturer. Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection will visit site and conduct an investigation.
The licensee's report was received at Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection today, 9/4/12, at approximately 1240 EDT.
Based on manufacturer's evaluation of the equipment used, Ohio Bureau of Radiation Protection will conduct an investigation of licensee's maintenance program and to determine reasons for failure by licensee to make initial notification and follow-up written report in a timely manner.
No significant personnel exposure was received during retrieval procedures.
Ohio Report OH 120003