The state of Nevada reported the following via email:
On 12/29/21 an Authorized User failed to secure a portable nuclear gauge in its type A shipping container and transported the nuclear device from one work site to another. The unsecured gauge fell off the back of the truck's tailgate and was missing from approximately [1545 PST] until it was located at a nearby gas station at [1625 PST]. It had been placed next to an air pump refill station and left there by an unknown person. The Authorized User recovered the gauge and returned it to the licensee's use location.
The RSO performed leak test sampling on 12/29/21 at [1900 PST] and the tests were sent to lnstroTek 's California testing facility for analysis on 12/30/21 at [0930 PST]. The gauge has been properly secured with 2 tangible barriers and isolated from use by other employees. The Radiation Control Program performed surveys and swipe testing of the damaged gauge and all results were within twice background. As soon as the licensee receives leak test results, the gauge will be prepared and shipped to the lnstroTek - California for disposal. Licensee will provide the RCP [Radiation Control Program] with additional results and information as it becomes available.
Troxler Model 3440 S/N 23813 Americium-241/Be 40 mCi and Cesium-137 8 mCi. Last periodic leak test performed 12/14/21 - Passed
Nevada Item Number: NV210022
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