The following information was received via email from
Arkansas Department of Health:
The licensee notified the [Arkansas] Department [of Health] on December 27, 2013 via email that a Ronan source holder model SA1-F37 shutter failed. The source holder serial number is M4785, and the source contains 100 mCi of Cesium-137. The problem was discovered during shutter checks. [According to the licensee], it appears the shutter handle is spinning on the shaft that rotates [to] open [and] close the shutter. [This] may be a result of a sheared pin that connects the handle to the shaft. Per the RSO, the gauge is still in use, and there have been no exposures to employees or members of the public. The RSO has notified applicable facility personnel.
The licensee indicated the manufacturer was contacted on December 27, 2013 and repairs should be performed the week of January 6th-13th.
The State of Arkansas is awaiting a written report after repairs. The State's event number is ARK-2013-013.
- * * UPDATE AT 0844 EST ON 02/06/14 FROM TAMMY KRIESEL TO S. SANDIN VIA EMAIL * * *
The following updates and closes Event Number 49680.
The manufacturer, Ronan Engineering Company, sent a report to the Arkansas Department of Health dated January 9, 2014 and received on February 5, 2014 indicating repair was completed. The root cause was a top rubber seal had 'dry rotted and allowed contaminates to seep into the shutter cavity. Over time, contaminates built up to a point of binding up the shutter.' The damaged seal was replaced and the source holder was reassembled. On January 16, 2014 a routine inspection was conducted at the facility. At the time of inspection, the gauge was functioning properly.
The Department [Arkansas Department of Health] considers this event closed."
Notified R4DO (Azua) and
FSME Events Resource (email).