The following information was received from the State of
New Jersey by email:
Event Narrative: During a walkthrough of the facility, the night shift RSO [Radiation Safety Officer] discovered that an ABB Industrial Systems, Ltd model LS100 fixed measuring gauge had fallen off of a coal feeder to which it was attached. The area, which is not normally accessed by staff, was cordoned. Readings were taken directly on top of the device, and measured 0.5 to 1.0 mR/h. The device does not have a shutter mechanism. The direct beam was surrounded with lead that was available for shielding.
Root cause(s) and contributing factors: Vibration from coal feeder caused the metal mounting bracket to shear. Semiannual preventative maintenance did not identify the issue. Scaffolding is required to reach the gauge for maintenance, which makes it difficult to do more regularly.
Isotope and activity; manufacturer, model and serial number: Ra-226, 0.5 mCi, ABB Industrial Systems, Ltd model LS100, serial number R868.
New Jersey Incident Number: C612607
- * * UPDATE FROM JOE POWER TO STEVEN VITTO AT 1357 EDT ON 09/14/2016 * * *
The following was received from the State of New Jersey via email:
On September 14, 2016, a 30-day written report from BL England Generating Station was received by NJDEP [New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection]. This report outlined the corrective actions and the current status of the gauge. As a corrective step, BL England updated their maintenance schedule to include more frequent checks of their gauges. The device has been secured on a lead plate, and staged in a labeled 55-gallon steel drum to be disposed of at a later date when disposal of other site sources is scheduled. It will remain in storage under lock and key until that time. The licensee's next inspection will include a review of the implanted changes.
This incident can be closed.
NMED incident Number: 160359.
Notified R1DO(Noggle) and
NMSS Events Resource via email.