The state of
Texas (the Agency) reported the following via phone and email:
On December 30, 2021, the Agency was notified by the licensee that on December 29, 2021, one of its technicians was unable to fully retract a 10 millicurie cesium-137 source to its fully shielded position. The source is installed in a Humboldt 5001EZ moisture density gauge. The technician had performed 3 samples that morning and the failure came at the end of the [fourth] exposure. The technician placed the gauge into its transport container and returned the gauge to the shop. The radiation safety officer (RSO) performed a survey of the gauge and found the highest reading 1 meter from the gauge was 0.4 millirem per hour. The RSO stated the transport index for the gauge measured that morning was 0.2. The RSO stated that the source was stuck about 2 inches outside from the fully shielded [position]. The RSO stated they used a hammer and anchor bolt and drove the source back into the shielded position. The RSO stated they noticed wet clay material oozing out of the area between the source shaft and the gauge case. The RSO believes the clay is what was preventing the source from fully retracting. The RSO stated they were taking a leak test of the cesium source. The RSO was instructed to isolate the hammer and bolt used to drive the source to the shielded position. The Agency went to the licensee's location and performed fixed and removable contamination survey on the hammer and anchor bolt used to drive the source back to the shielded position. No contamination was detected. The RSO's hands and clothing was surveyed for contamination. No contamination was detected. The RSO stated the gauge will be sent to the service company after the results of the leak test are received. Additional information will be provided as it is received in accordance with SA-300.
Texas Incident Number: 9905