ENS 50421
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
04:00 Aug 27, 2014 | |
| Title | Agreement State Report - Moisture Density Gauge Damaged at Construction Site |
| Event Description | Our [Froehling & Robertson] technician was using the gauge to test compaction of soils placed for wall backfill. [The technician] placed the nuclear gauge on the sloped hill next to the backfill area and stepped away from the gauge to check on the concrete pour that was happening at the top of the hill. As she was walking away, the backfill crew started using the two drum walk-behind roller. The roller was in vibratory mode and, as it approached the area near the nuclear gauge, the gauge slid down the slope into the path of the roller. The gauge was hit with the roller on the end opposite the rod, damaging the casing and the instrument panel. [The technician] and the roller operator moved the gauge to assess the damage and, when they realized it was damaged, [the technician] cordoned off the area.
Exposure Readings and Visual Damage Assessment: [The RSO] arrived on-site with the survey meter (CD V-700 calibrated 5/9/2014) and checked the area for radiation exposure. No significant readings were recorded (less than 0.1 mrem/hr 5 feet from the gauge). The source rod was fully retracted into the casing and did not appear to be damaged other than the handle was twisted. The gauge appeared to be intact in the vicinity of the Americium source. The gauge was packed and secured in its storage case and transported to Northeast Technical Services for a leak test and damage evaluation. Assessment of Cause: [The RSO] interviewed the client and [technician] to try to assess a cause for the incident. The client had asked [the technician] to go check on the concrete pour before performing another density test and, instead of properly securing the gauge in the truck or keeping it within arm's reach, [the technician] left the gauge unattended while she walked up the slope. In talking with [the technician], she was aware of the proper procedures for securing the gauge and maintaining control of the gauge but failed to do so in this case. Corrective Measures: As this is a first offense for [the technician], she will be issued a written warning stating that if involved in another incident like this, she will be terminated. Additionally, she will be asked to take another refresher course on using and transporting nuclear density gauges. [The RSO] will also be holding a safety meeting with all technicians to review this incident and review the F&R Nuclear Gauge Safety material regarding maintaining control of gauges. Sources: 0.37 GBq Cs-137 and 1.48 GBq Am-241:Be Make/Model: Troxler 3400 Serial #: 23898 |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Froehling & Robertson Jessup, Maryland (NRC Region 1) | |
| License number: | MD-27-083-01 |
| Organization: | Maryland Dept Of The Environment |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+156.67 h6.528 days <br />0.933 weeks <br />0.215 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Ray Manley 16:40 Sep 2, 2014 |
| NRC Officer: | Mark Abramovitz |
| Last Updated: | Sep 2, 2014 |
| 50421 - NRC Website | |
Froehling & Robertson with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 517862016-03-11T20:34:00011 March 2016 20:34:00
[Table view]Agreement State Agreement State Report - Damaged Moisture Density Gauge ENS 504212014-08-27T04:00:00027 August 2014 04:00:00 Agreement State Agreement State Report - Moisture Density Gauge Damaged at Construction Site ENS 493382013-09-11T04:00:00011 September 2013 04:00:00 Agreement State Agreement State Report - Stolen Troxler Gauge 2016-03-11T20:34:00 | |