On 09/21/2016, a radiography crew was working on a pipeline ROW [right of way] located off of Wolf Run-Poplar Springs Road near Cameron, WV. After developing film shot earlier in the morning, the crew reattached the control cables and guide tube to the exposure device and moved to the next
weld. After setup an attempt to make an exposure was made. The radiographer recalled the source assembly felt slightly obstructed upon entry into the guide tube. Upon verification that the guide tube was not kinked, an attempt to retract the source was made. Based on survey meter readings, it was determined the source was not retracting back into the camera, and somehow became disconnected. At this point the radiographer 'pushed' the source out to the collimator to provide some shielding. The crew then established a new 2 mR/hr boundary, advised site personnel of the situation, and notified [the] Pittsburgh site [Radiation Safety Officer]
RSO. The [Corporate Assistant RSO] was notified and immediately dispatched [a source retriever] to the site for source retrieval.
At approximately 1430 EDT [the source retriever, who is also] the site RSO in Dover, OH, arrived at the location. After reviewing the circumstances leading to the disconnect and an inspection of the area, a plan to safely retrieve the source was [successfully] enacted.
All personnel involved acted as safely as possible considering the situation. The radiographer and their assistant immediately established a restricted area around the source and maintained visual surveillance of the area. At no time was any member of the public exposed to greater than 2 mR/hr. The three technicians involved with the monitoring and retrieval of the source followed company procedures and all were wearing the required radiation
PPE. No one received a dose greater than 100 mrem during the entire operation. Film badge readings for the period were all within normal range.