The following was received via email from the State of Illinois:
On 8/16/18 at approximately 1900 [CDT], the licensee was conducting radiography operations at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, IL. At or around this time, a pipe being analyzed fell off the pipe stand onto the source guide tube, denting it and prohibiting source retraction. Chicago Fire Dept. personnel were contacted at approximately 2030 [CDT] and arrived at the facility. The licensee had established a control boundary at 2 mR/hr and maintained line of sight control over the source. The licensee's recovery team was concurrently deployed and was approximately one hour away. Chicago Fire Dept. contacted and advised IEMA [Illinois Emergency Management Agency] at 2150 [CDT]. Agency staff immediately began coordination with Chicago Fire Dept. and licensee personnel. Agency personnel were deployed at 2335 [CDT] for support operations. Licensee staff (authorized for source retrieval) were able to shield the source and subsequently work out the kink in the guide tube so the source could be cranked back into the device. Based on agency inspector observation, it is believed there were no overexposures as the scene was roped off and constant surveillance maintained. Individual dosimeters worn by the licensee staff indicate a maximum exposure of 25 millirem. Reenactments of the incident conducted after source retrieval support this conclusion.
The licensee contacted IEMA at 0330 [CDT] on 8/17/18 to confirm that the source had been secured at 0204 [CDT]. A written report was received from the licensee on 8/18/18. There was some confusion on the associated reporting requirements with this incident as 350.3048 (10 CFR 34.101) requires a report within 30 days. Additionally, 340.1220 (10 CFR 30.50(b)) requires reporting within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />. Language in 340.1220(a) that is unique to Illinois and differs from its Federal counterpart (30.50(a)), may require reporting immediately. While compliance with this Illinois reporting requirement and the licensee emergency procedures remain under review, this matter is being considered closed.
The device involved was a Delta 880, serial number D8400, equipped with a 52.6 Ci Ir-192 source, serial number 66323G.
Illinois Item Number: IL 180032