The following information was obtained from the state of
Nebraska via email:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Radiological Health was notified on October 27, 2017, by the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) from Panhandle Geotechnical and Environmental, of a loss of control and damage to a portable gauge (licensed material) on Friday, October 27, 2017 outside of a temporary jobsite located near Kimball, Nebraska. The licensed material is a Troxler 3400 series moisture density gauge, serial number 30894, containing 9 mCi of Cs-137 and 44 mCi of Am-241:Be. The licensee reported to the State that an employee placed the license material on the standardization block performing the normal gauge standardization behind the pickup truck. The source rod was not extended during this time. When the employee was told to move the vehicle in order to move a shipping container to the job site, the employee placed the vehicle in reverse and backed into the gauge. The employee pulled forward after hearing the damage to the gauge and placed the pickup in park. The employee got out of the vehicle and assessed the situation. After noticing the damage to the gauge, the employee called the RSO and alerted nearby personnel to stay away from the area. No personnel were injured and the nearest person was at least 50 feet away. The employee moved the pickup further away (~20 feet from the gauge) and caution taped the area, prohibiting access. The RSO arrived at 1240 hrs. (Central Daylight Time) and performed a radiation survey and a wipe test. The RSO did not find any elevated readings and the sources were not leaking. The RSO and employee placed the gauge back in the shipping container and will deliver the gauge to licensed facility for repairs. A 30 day written report is to follow.
State Event Report ID No.: NE-17-0006