The following report was received via e-mail:
On August 12, 2019, the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) reported to the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] that while one of its technician's was using a Troxler Model 3440 moisture/density gauge [device #21053] to perform density testing at a temporary job site in Greenville, Texas, the tip of the insertion rod, which holds an 8 millicurie cesium-137 source, came off in the test hole. The RSO and a representative from a licensed gauge service company met at the site and recovered the source. The RSO stated the source holder, which is screwed onto the end of the insertion rod then welded, was intact with the source, spring, and spacer in place. However, it had broken off approximately 1/4 inch below the weld (below the threads). A survey of the test hole and surrounding area found no readings above background. A wipe test was taken which will be analyzed at the service company's facility, where the source and gauge are being taken for evaluation/repair, before the source is removed from the recovery pig. No overexposures are expected from this event. An investigation into this event is ongoing. Information will be provided as it is obtained in accordance with SA-300.
Texas Incident: 9700
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Sources that are "Less than
IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as
moisture density gauges or thickness
gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf