The following information was obtained from the State of
Texas via email:
On November 20, 2013, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee that on November 19, 2013, a source disconnect had occurred at a temporary field site. The licensee stated a crew had performed their first exposure of the day using a 91 curie cobalt - 60 source in a SPEC 300 exposure device. The radiographer attempted to retract the source into the exposure device, but noted the exposure rate on their dose rate meter was still reading the same as when the source was exposed and the camera lock failed to trip. The radiographers contacted the licensee's Radiation Safety Officer who responded to the location. The radiographers were working in a remote area of the facility and the boundaries initially set were adequate to prevent any exposures to other personnel at the facility. The RSO stated the source was located in the collimator. The RSO and a second individual approved for source recovery was able to recover the source. The RSO stated that their inspection of the device found the spring on the source pig tail appeared to have weakened and failed to close the connector in one of three test operations after the source recovery. The radiographers stated they challenged the connection prior to cranking the source out. The source and exposure device were returned to the manufacturer for inspection and repair. No over exposures occurred as a result of the event. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300.
Texas Incident #: I-9136