The following is a synopsis of information received via E-mail from the
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (
LDEQ):
TUV Rheinland (TUVR) was working at the Sasol Mega Project in Westlake, Louisiana under reciprocity (RC-662). TUVR was utilizing four industrial radiography exposure devices but only had a problem with one device.
TUVR made an exposure and then retracted the source into the shielded position. The source returned to the shielded position, but the automatic locking device did not lock/engage. The exposure device was manually locked with the plunger-lock and then key locked. It appears that the spring in the locking mechanism was either broken or blocked from working. The device is a Sentinel model 880D with S/N D13509. The device contains an INC model 7 source with 36.9 Curies of Ir-192 with S/N T0274. Safety surveys were made and there appears to be no radiation exposure hazard. The device was taken out of service, 'locked and tagged' out of service, and is being transported back to Woodstock, Alabama for a complete evaluation.
LDEQ was notified of the event by a phone call and a follow-up written report. From the report, it appears there is not a Radiation Safety Officer named on the Texas license at this time. A copy of the complete evaluation report will be provided when available.
Louisiana Event Report ID No.: LA-160014